FLOOD barriers were deployed in Bewdley overnight as levels in the River Severn continue to rise.

A flood alert remains in place in Bewdley and Stourport as river levels are forecasted to rise as a result of heavy rainfall.

The Severnside North defences went up overnight, with Environment Agency flood risk manager Mark Bowers tweeting this morning that levels were still rising.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Flood barriers being erected in Bewdley overnight. Photo by @DaveThroupEAFlood barriers being erected in Bewdley overnight. Photo by @DaveThroupEA

Flooding is affecting low-lying land and roads adjacent to the river from Highley to Tewksbury and further flooding is expected to impact areas in Stourport, Holt Fleet, Worcester, Kempsey, Severn Stoke, Upton upon Severn and the Stourport Road.

River levels at Bewdley are expected to soon peak at between 3.6 and 3.8m. The highest recorded river level in Bewdley was 5.56m in November in 2000.

Levels are expected to remain high in Worcestershire for the next few days as further rain is forecasted.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses."