The threat of serious flooding in the centre of York receded this afternoon as the River Foss flood barrier began working at full capacity again.

A severe flood warning had been issued for areas including Fossgate, Walmgate, Foss Islands Road and Huntington Road after a mains power failure partially affected the barrier.

City of York Council's emergency planning co-ordinator, John Simmons, had predicted serious flooding problems by this evening if the situation continued to worsen.

But he later revealed that the barrier was back working at full capacity and the Foss was dropping, though residents near the river were still being warned to move property to upstairs rooms and to check on flooding updates.