A flood alert has been issued for Swindon following hours of heavy rain.

The government has put out a flood alert for the River Cole, Dorcan Brook and South Marston Brook in the East Swindon and South Marston areas down to above Buscot Wick.

River levels have risen on the River Cole as a result of heavy rainfall overnight on Saturday, September 7 and into the morning of Sunday, September 8.

Now flooding of low lying land and roads is expected, especially in the Lower Stratton area of Swindon near the River Cole.

Property flooding is not currently expected. 

Further rainfall is forecast, with low certainty on the location of the heaviest downpours, and further unsettled weather is expected over the coming days.

River levels are expected to remain high.

A government spokesperson said: "We are monitoring the situation. Avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses."

A weather warning for rain is currently in place until 6pm tonight (Sunday, September 8), and - following hours of downpours earlier today, light showers are expected until 5pm.

Temperatures are forecast to range from 12 and 19 degrees Celsius.

A photo taken by a resident of Montagu Street in Rodbourne shows the road flooded, although it is not in the warning area.