BOSSES from Essex Fire and Rescue have warned motorists not to try driving through flood water after having to retrieve a car in Ingatestone.

Crews from Ingatestone and Billericay fire stations were called to Mountnessing Road at about 6.20am today after a car had driven into three feet of water on the road.

The male driver was pulled out of the vehicle by 6.40am, but firefighters have reminded people to use common sense when going through flooded areas after Wednesday's wet and windy weather.

A spokesman said: "It is mind boggling just how many people will drive their car into standing water with no idea of how deep it is.

"Just two feet of water is enough to float a car and six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars.

"This depth can cause loss of control or possible stalling as water is sucked into the exhaust or washes into the air intake.

"If they can they should find an alternative route.

"If there is no way round they should park safely and get out to check the depth of the water before they drive into it."