Policeman dies amid flooding chaos
The body found in the search for a hero police constable swept away when a bridge collapsed in floods has been confirmed as Pc Bill Barker.
Cumbria Police chief constable Craig Mackey said: "It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that the body found on a beach at Allonby this afternoon is that of our friend and colleague Pc Bill Barker."
Pc Barker, 44, who served with Cumbria Police for 25 years, leaves a wife and four children. He would have celebrated his 45th birthday on Saturday.
Mr Mackey added: "Bill was a wonderful police officer and a real family man. He leaves behind a wife and four children in their home in Egremont - two boys and two girls - aged between eight and 16. He was due to to celebrate his 45th birthday tomorrow.
"Bill is a hero who died saving the lives of others and our thoughts are with his family at this devastating time. He was a much-loved friend, colleague and an inspiration to everyone he knew - he will be sadly missed."
Severe flooding in the county was driven by a combination of heavy rain, saturated ground and swollen rivers. Four bridges collapsed, main roads were blocked, schools were closed and more than 200 people were forced to leave their homes in nearby Cockermouth overnight after the deluge struck.
Cockermouth appeared to be worst hit, with both rivers running through the town bursting their banks.
Residents said they feared more rain would bring renewed flooding.
Alan Smith said: "The thing with the River Cocker is it can fall as quickly as it can rise.
"It's come down 4ft from last night but the fells are sodden and, if we get any more rain, it will just come straight off and into the river and the level will rise again. If we have persistent rain like last night and the day before, we will be back to square one."
