Flood alerts have been issued for the Braintree district and beyond.

The Environment Agency issued an alert shortly after 7am this morning.

The alert, warning of possible flooding, concerns the Rivers Pant and Blackwater from Great Bardfield to Langford, including Braintree and the River Brain from Black Notley to Witham.

According to the EA data: "The peak of the river is now near Witham.

"River levels are likely to continue to rise, especially in the areas of Braintree and Witham.

"Over the next 12 hours the forecast is for no significant rainfall."

An alert, for possible flooding, has also been issued for River Colne from Great Yeldham to, and including Colchester.

This was issued shortly before 7am this morning.

At 8.25am, the EA issued an alert for possible flooding in the Upper Stour and Tributaries in Stour and Bumpstead Brooks and the River Stour from Kedington to Sudbury.

Residents near the Upper River Chelmer are also on the alert following a forecast at 8.43am for 

possible flooding on the Chelmer from Great Dunmow to Rivermead campus and Industrial Estate in Chelmsford.