Today Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has made the following response regards the flooding across Greater Manchester yesterday ;

“I would like to offer praise and thanks to the emergency services, local authorities and other agencies for their excellent work in response to unprecedented flooding across Greater Manchester.

“They have been working non-stop as part of the operation to combat the flooding and have done so in very difficult conditions. A lot of people have been safely evacuated from their homes and thankfully we have not had any reports of serious injuries or fatalities.

“We have received fantastic support from Bolton and Oldham Mountain Rescue teams who have assisted us in some of the worst hit areas.

“I would also like to thank members of the local communities for their support and the help they have offered throughout the operation.

“We have heard stories of farmers transporting people to safer locations on their tractors and other people offering food and drink to emergency services workers.

“Your support has made working in these extremely difficult circumstances much easier and it is tough times like these that we really see the great spirit and togetherness of the people of Greater Manchester.

“We are very much in the recovery phase and there are still thousands of people without power so there is still much to do and our thoughts remain with those who have been affected most.

“I have been out visiting residents in the worst affected areas of Salford. The spirit and generosity being shown is remarkable. It was great to see families, friends and volunteers all helping with the clear up.

“We are also continuing with our efforts to help the more vulnerable members of our communities who have been affected but I would like to urge everybody to continue looking out for each other and help those who are most vulnerable.”