Northern Ireland and Scotland have been hit by heavy rain and gales as Storm Frank hit the UK’s shores. The storm has brought fears of fresh flooding.

There are currently four severe flood warnings, indicating danger to life - three in Croston, Lancashire. The latter has already experienced flooding this week.

A further 45 flood warnings, requiring immediate action, are in force in England and Wales and more than 60 in place in Scotland.

In the north of Scotland, around 5,500 homes have been left without power. Power cut have also been experienced in Northern Ireland and Wales. The rough weather has also delayed flights and destroyed trees.

Soldiers have evacuated homes near a bridge in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, after it collapsed, prompting fears of flooding and a possible gas explosion.

In York police have condemned robbers who have targeted flood victims’ homes.

The weather across the UK is expected to get worse. A red weather warning has been issued for the Isle of Man, with up to 100mm of rain expected on high ground. Winds are expected to reach speeds of up to 129 km/h.

The BBC says between 80mm and 120mm of rain was expected over Cumbria and central and southern Scotland, with rivers in Dumfries and Galloway likely to rise. Scottish coasts were experiencing gusts of up to 112km/h.

Royal Air Force helicopters and soldiers from the British Army have been delivering hundreds of tonnes of sandbags to hold back the floods near River Douglas.

The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings - meaning "be prepared" - for rain in Strathclyde; Central, Tayside and Fife; Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders; Grampian; north-west England and Northern Ireland for Wednesday.

There are also yellow weather warnings - meaning "be aware" - for rain for the Highlands & Eilean Siar, Wales, north east England, South West England and Yorkshire and Humber.