Shops evacuated and roads closed by flash floods (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Shops evacuated and roads closed by flash floods

12:23pm Friday 20th July 2007 in

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Shops in North End have been evacuated after torrential rain caused flash flooding in Croydon's main retail street.

Eyewitnesses have said Allders has suffered severe flooding from water leaking from the ceiling and that shoe shop Barretts is "shin-high" in water.

Police are said to be inside Allders while ambulances are at the scene treating shoppers who have slipped on puddles of water which have formed inside the Whitgift Centre.

Eyewitnesses described a "river" of water flowing down North End.

Kerry Hendey said: "I tried to get in Allders from George Street but it was closed. I walked round to the North End entrance opposite Primark and there was what looked like a river running down the street.

"The main walkway in Allders, where Munchies is, was full of water which was pouring in from the ceiling. Barretts is flooded and the staff are running about up to their shins in water trying to get the shoes on a higher shelf.

"I've never seen anything like this. It's really bad."

The underpass in Croydon is submerged in water and there have been reports of drivers having to abandon thier cars because roads are impassable.

It is believed that the roof of a gym in Purley has collapsed and the B&Q store at Valley Park was closed after water poured into the store.

The town centre was not the only area affected. Shops in Thrornton Heath are clearing up after rain washed through several premises in the high street.In Purley Cross an underpass was completely submerged and Tesco was forced to cancel its delivery orders.Send your flood pics and stories to newsdesk@croydonguardian.co.uk