RIVERSIDE footpaths in York have been partially flooded today after the River Ouse rose in the wake of heavy, persistent rain upstream.

Flood alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency, which said the river had risen to 2.47 metres above normal summer levels by this afternoon, causing flooding of low-lying land, paths and staiths.

It said a further slight rise was possible tonight and the agency’’s incident response staff were checking defences and would operate the Foss Barrier -which helps prevent flooding by the River Foss - if required.