Marlborough has experienced near-catastrophic levels of flooding sparking a large-scale emergency response. 

Officers from Wiltshire Police have been assisting Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service, South Western Ambulance Services Trust and Wiltshire Search and Rescue in the areas of Angel Yard, The Parade & Kennet Place.

Residents from these areas were evacuated throughout the day & are kindly being kept warm by Marlborough Town Council at the Town Hall.

Now Wiltshire Police has issued a strong all-caps-lock plea to residents to stay away 

It said: "FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY - PLEASE AVOID THESE AREAS, THEY ARE HAZARDOUS AND ARE STILL UNDER DEEP WATER.

"VEHICLES WILL NOT BE SALVAGEABLE UNTIL THE WATER RECEEDS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER THESE WATERS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, THEY MAY BE CONTAMINATED WITH SEWAGE WATER."

In response to the 'unprecedented' water levels Marlborough Mayor Coun Nicholas Fogg said:

"What we're seeing is unprecedented and the first for a lot of people in their lifetimes."

He added: "A number of residents have been evacuated by boat to the town hall and others have gone to stay with relatives.

"The Town Council staff have done a wonderful job of getting things sorted and getting help to those who need it."