Last night’s heavy rain has seen a hospital declare a major incident due to flooding.

Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge has had to turn away major trauma cases and postpone planned surgery for today – because the deluge has affected the areas where staff sterilise theatre equipment.

A spokesman for the hospital’s NHS trust said: “All affected patients will be contacted and new dates for their surgery arranged.

“We apologise to any patient for any inconvenience caused.

“We continue to provide urgent medical care. However as we are now in major incident mode we are asking patients considering coming to A&E to seek alternative care wherever possible.”

Patients with concerns should call 01223 245151.