A historic market town has begun to flood after a river broke its banks.

Homes have been evacuated in Morpeth, Northumberland, prior to the River Wansbeck breaching local flood defences.

Northumbria Police said they are working with the local authority to help people affected and a rest centre at the town hall has been set up.

Meanwhile, a 100m cordon has been put in place a number of flats in the Newburn area of Newcastle over fears it may collapse.

Northumbria Police said there were "concerns around the stability of the building following heavy rain and floods in the area".

Emergency services are in the area evacuating residents and those living nearby as a precaution.

On the A690 westbound, just off the A19 west of Sunderland the road has collapsed and is likely to remain closed for some time.

East Coast trains have cancelled services between York and Darlington because of flooding at Eryholme, near Northallerton, preventing the running of East Coast services between London and Scotland.

There is no rail-replacement bus service because of flooding on roads south of Darlington it and passengers arebeing advised not to travel.