Chesterfield floods: Woman in her 80s dies inside a flat after Storm Babet as cops launch probe
A WOMAN in her 80s has died inside a flat after severe flooding as cops launch a probe.
Emergency services were called to a Derbyshire flat after what cops described as “a sudden death” which they believe was Storm Babet-related.
It brought the death toll from Storm Babet to at least seven, as horrendous conditions rage on for a fourth day.
Emergency services went to the home in Chesterfield where they found the woman on Saturday at 10.35am.
Derbyshire Police said: “An investigation has been launched after the body of a woman was found at a property in Chesterfield.
“Officers, along with colleagues from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and from East Midlands Ambulance Service, arrived at the property and found a woman, aged in her 80s, inside the flat.
“Investigations are continuing into the cause and circumstances surrounding her death, but it is believed it is related to the flooding seen in the Chesterfield area.”
Heavy flood alerts are in place for England, Wales and Scotland.
The River Derwent in Derbyshire burst its banks bringing turmoil for people living in surrounding areas.
Three severe flood warnings were issued, suggesting a potential danger to life – around Chaddesden, Little Chester, Eastgate, Cattle Market and near Derby City Water Works.
The Environment Agency said deep and fast-flowing water brought a significant risk of death or serious injury on top of severe disruption to local communities.
Derby City Council told of record-breaking water levels in the River Derwent and warned a post-floods clean-up could take several days.
England is tipped to be the worst-hit area on Sunday with the Met Office issuing more than 300 alerts.
National Rail urged people to only travel if necessary, as major disruptions was expected throughout the day and train routes across the entire country were disrupted.
The devastating storm previously claimed the lives of six people.