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Car swept under bridge in flood Car swept under bridge in flood
(about 1 hour later)
A major search operation is under way on the North York Moors after a 4x4 vehicle went into a rain-swollen river and became submerged under a bridge.A major search operation is under way on the North York Moors after a 4x4 vehicle went into a rain-swollen river and became submerged under a bridge.
An RAF helicopter and emergency services have been called to Muffles Bridge at Hartoft near Pickering. An RAF helicopter and emergency services were called to Muffles Bridge at Hartoft near Pickering.
It is believed the vehicle was crossing a ford but it is not yet known what has happened to the occupants. It is not known what has happened to the occupants of the vehicle but a woman's handbag is believed to have been found at the scene.
Searches are being conducted along the river, a North Yorkshire Police spokesman said. Searches are being conducted along the river, a police spokesman said.
Inquiries are ongoing to identify the owner of the vehicle and the police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.Inquiries are ongoing to identify the owner of the vehicle and the police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Roads flooded Sandbags provided
Meanwhile, the heavy rainfall has also been causing major problems in the Scarborough area. Meanwhile, the heavy rainfall has also been causing problems in the Scarborough area.
Bruce Bedford, Scarborough Borough Council's technical services manager said: "In the interests of public safety, we have closed parts of both Barmoor Lane and Hackness Road due to flooding problems.
"We have also been providing sandbags in some areas.
"Peasholm roundabout is partially flooded and although it is still open to traffic, drivers should take extra care."
The flooding is believed to have been exacerbated by thawing snow on the hills combining with heavy rainfall.
Fire crews were helping people in Mill Lane, Cloughton, whose homes were under threat from rising waters.Fire crews were helping people in Mill Lane, Cloughton, whose homes were under threat from rising waters.
They were also called out to pump out water from flooded properties in Ebberston, Scalby and Newby.They were also called out to pump out water from flooded properties in Ebberston, Scalby and Newby.
The A171 through Cloughton and the A165 through Scalby were closed because of flooding.The A171 through Cloughton and the A165 through Scalby were closed because of flooding.
The Environment Agency has one flood warning in place for the lower River Seven in Sinnington.
Lower level flood watches were issued for the whole of the North Yorkshire coast, the River Rye, the lower River Ure and the Upper River Derwent.