FIREFIGHTERS from Gloucestershire have been sent to the east coast as the area prepares for a potential tidal surge.

There are more than 20 severe flood warnings in force across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex along with three severe flood warnings issued, indicating danger to life.

About 2,500 homes on the Essex coast are being evacuated as the tidal surge is expected to hit the south-east of the country from midnight tonight.

More than 20 local firefighters and officers are in attendance across the area with high volume pumps, rescue boats and command support equipment.

Boats and personnel from the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) are also making their way to the area.

Jon Hall, Chief Fire Officer, said: “Gloucestershire has often benefited from incoming support as recently as last November during severe weather so it is good that we are able to offer help to other areas when they deal with incidents on such a scale.

" We have good welfare and support arrangements in place for our crews while they operate the other side of the country and obviously wish them well with their operations."

Councillor Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: "It’s great that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is working with SARA to help people on the east coast today. I am confident that they’re doing a brilliant job.

"We have vast experience of dealing with water incidents after we were faced with similar experiences during the 2007 floods.”