'Frightening ordeal ' as family caught in car after it submerged in Mansfield flood water

Mansfield police officers came to their aid after the family had been unable to open the doors.

The car had been driving along Eakring Road at around 4pm on Tuesday, December 22.

Officers from the Mansfield Neighbourhood Team used a Land Rover from Mansfield Police Station to help.

After making sure the family were safe and warm, the officers pulled the stranded vehicle from the flood so it could be safely taken away.

PC Peter Gardiner, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This must have been a frightening ordeal for the family and we were just happy to be able to help. We heard it come in on the radio and went back to the station to get the Land Rover. It was pitch black down there and the family were obviously very cold.

“This was actually our last shift before Christmas so it was a great way to sign off at the end of what has been a really difficult year. Ultimately being a police officer is about is keeping the public safe, so it’s really satisfying when we’re able to help people in this way.

“Although this incident was safely resolved, flood water can be dangerous. Standing water can often be a lot deeper than it appears, and can contain debris and other hazards that drivers can’t see.

"We urge people to turn around and seek an alternative route if confronted by this kind of standing water and advise people to avoid Eakring Lane at the moment.”