By Hannah van de Peer and Isaac Eales

A major incident has been declared by police in the North West after the region was battered by heavy rain resulting in flooded homes and travel chaos.

Dramatic aerial images show the scale of devastation after areas of Manchester, Stockport, Wigan and Bolton were left submerged under water. 

Residents have been evacuated from their homes and the TransPennine Express has issued a 'do not travel' warning throughout the north of England. 

Multiple roads have been closed, leaving cars submerged and stranded and some residents in a block of flats in Stockport are believed to be trapped.

Photographs show how the newly-converted Meadow Mill on Water Street has been left completely surrounded by flood water as fire crews prepared boats to reach anyone stranded.

Meadow Mill as seen on 1 January 2025 (Image - SWNS)

One resident Helen Scott told the BBC: "I had a little bit of sleep and I've woken up to all of the car park and the entire first floor completely submerged in water.

"The fact I've still got a couple of Proseccos still in me has taken the edge of this situation.

"Give me a couple of hours and I think the horror of the start of 2025 is going to sink in."

The Environment Agency and Highways England, alongside emergency and specialist services like mountain rescue, have been deployed to assist with transport and travel. 

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is also responding to reports of damage, risk to life and stranded vehicles. 

Residents at Meadow Mill were left stranded by the floods (Image - SWNS)

Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Following events overnight a major incident has been declared. 

"This is to ensure we can continue to keep people safe through a co-ordinated effort from our collective emergency services, supported by key partner agencies.

"Anyone affected should check the relevant detail being shared by their local council, the fire service and Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure they can get the support available, which include any road closures and information centres for those displaced. 

"It is advised to travel if it is only necessary and to take care if out and about.

"Our officers with the fire service are in the key locations and can be spoken to if you need anything urgently, as we understand the distress those affected will be faced with as we begin 2025. 

"It will be a continued team effort as we monitor how the weather and water levels progress throughout today."

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