DRIVERS were urged by the fire service not to put themselves in danger driving through floodwater.

As the heavy downpours hit the county at the end of the week Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said "mindless motorists" could cause a danger.

It said: "Whenever there is heavy rain and flooding in Essex, the service is called out to rescue mindless motorists who find themselves in difficulty after driving into flood water.

"These drivers risk their own lives and those of their passengers, and also tie up fire crews and rescue teams who could be needed elsewhere.

"Just a foot or two of water is enough to float a car and six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars.

"This depth can cause loss of control or possible stalling as water is sucked into the exhaust or washes into the air intake."

The service said when confronted with floodwater the best thing to do is to stop and find an alternative route.

It said for drivers to slow down and not break or steer suddenly.