Canal burst after torrential rain devastating landscape

Torrential rain caused a canal to burst for the first time in more than 50 years.

Bridgewater Canal, in Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester, completely gave way on one side, with water pouring into neighbouring fields.

The canal last burst in 1971 - when it was closed for two years for repairs which cost £250,000.

Aerial pictures show the huge scale of the flooding as a result of the burst.

It comes after homes in Manchester, Stockport, Wigan and Bolton were evacuated due to flooding.

TransPennine Express issued a 'do not travel' warning throughout the north of England and Greater Manchester Police declared a major incident.