Tadcaster bridge collapse: Watch the moment Storm Frank brings more misery to North Yorkshire

Troops evacuated residents amid fears of flooding and a gas explosion after bridge collapsed.

This is the moment Tadcaster bridge in North Yorkshire collapsed on Tuesday evening due to severe flooding in the town.

The bridge had already been closed due to fears over its structural safety, but residents began to gather around it after creaking noises were heard and stones started to fall into the water.

People ran as the bridge started to crumble, causing a wave to roll towards the bank, followed by a strong smell of gas that had begun escaping from the ruptured pipes.

Part of the bridge has collapsed into the swollen River Wharfe running beneath it, exposing gas pipes (PA)

A large number of police and fire service vehicles arrived within 10 minutes and cordoned off a section of the main road either side of the structure.

Tadcaster is 10 miles from York and has been affected by flooding caused by storms in recent days. According to the Tadcaster town council website, the current structure was built around 1700.

Storm Frank is continuing to affect the United Kingdom today. Three severe flood warnings judged to pose a “danger to life” are in place along the River Yarrow in Croston.

Flooding is expected in 46 areas where less severe warnings are still in place, mainly in Yorkshire and Cumbria.

The Environment Agency also has 85 less serious flood alerts in place, mainly in western parts of England, Wales and Scotland.