Man dies in crash after heavy rain in Northumberland

A man has died after his car came off the road following torrential rain.

The man, in his early 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision in East Tynedale, Northumberland, at 12.25am today.

Motorists in the area were advised to take care after heavy rainfall yesterday caused low visibility and standing water on the roads.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "At 12.25am, police received a report that a car had left the road on the A68 between Broomley Grange and Heally in Kiln Pit Hill, East Tynedale.

"Officers and paramedics attended the scene and the driver of the car, a man in his early 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

"A section of the road was closed for four hours to allow for recovery."

The spokesman added: "Police are advising all motorists to take care on the roads, as there is still standing water around that could cause problems for drivers."

Heavy rain spread from the south of Northumberland and moved across the whole region last night.

Police said officers dealt with a number of reports of flooding and weather-related incidents, including a number of roads being closed due to surface water and localised flooding.

The A1 was closed between Belford and Haggerston Castle in the early hours of the morning but was later reopened.

A number of homes in Warren Mill were evacuated as a precaution after flooding in the area and people at a nearby caravan park were moved to a cafe on higher ground.

PA