Three people have been rescued from their car after getting stuck in flood water in Hawkhurst when they ignored a road closure.

Firefighters carried the man and two women to safety when they became trapped in Slip Mill Lane at about 6pm yesterday.

It comes as drivers are warned to obey road closure signs because of flooding - or face prosecution.

As emergency services continue to work to prevent more flooding in Kent, highways bosses have closed several roads and brought in temporary traffic restrictions.

Kent Police said it has received reports of some motorists ignoring road closures and becoming abusive to staff dealing with the problems.

Other areas where drivers have ignored road closures include Brishing Lane, in Maidstone, and Alkham Valley Road, near Dover.

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David Hall, highways deputy director at Kent County Council, said: "Please observe the road closures and restrictions; they are there for a good reason.

"If you ignore them you are not only putting yourself at risk, but the safety of staff dealing with the problems and other local residents.

"You are also hampering the work done to bring water levels back to normal."

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