Abandoned car in flood sparks alert

The A21 was closed to traffic between the junction with the A28 and the A2100 at 9.45pm after persistent heavy rainfall left part of the carriage way under 18 inches of water.

At 10pm emergency services were called to the scene, following reports of a vehicle trapped in the water.

Fearing someone was trapped inside, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service sent crews from Battle and Crowborough Fire Stations to the scene, with police and ambulance crews also in attendance.

Specialist water rescue equipment was used to search the area.

But after a frantic search, no one was found in the car or the surrounding area.

The driver of the vehicle was eventually tracked down to their home address.

Drivers are being reminded to avoid driving through flood waters.

A spokesperson from Battle Police said: “We would like to remind motorists to take extra care when driving in these conditions.”

The A21 was closed for a number of hours as torrential rain battered the area.

The water was around 18 inches deep near Marley Lane.

Outside Blackbrooks Garden Centre in Sedlescombe, the water measured around six inches deep across both carriageways.

Part of the A28 was also affected by flooding between Westfield and Brede.