In Birmingham the drainage system in Edgbaston was overwhelmed by a flash flood last week, the local water and highways authorities have confirmed.

Water running through the system at speed had the power to blow away manhole covers and burst drains.

Overflowing drains caused major flooding and associated problems to homes and businesses. The local water board Severn Trent Water has said that they will undertake a full investigation into the drainage failures, and along with the Environment Agency will look for measures that could be taken to prevent any recurrence of the incident.