Homes damaged as storms follow heatwaves in England and Wales

Environment Agency issues 40 flood alerts across Midlands, Yorkshire and south-east of England

Dozens of homes have been damaged by flooding and the Met Office had issued warnings for thunderstorms and heavy rain at the end of a summer in which most of England and the whole of Wales was declared in drought.

The Met Office said thundery showers in England and Wales could cause 75mm of rain to fall in just 12 hours in some areas.