DRIVERS have been warned by firefighters of the "perils" of going through flood water following several incidents in Ingatestone.

Over the stormy Christmas period, a number of call outs have been made after motorists became stuck in deep water at Buttsbury Wash in Mountnessing Road.

Firefighters are reminding drivers to use "common sense" when it comes to tackling flooded areas.

Warning signs have been put up near the flooding hotspot in Ingatestone but motorists are ignoring these with firefighters saying they are putting their safety at risk.

Station officer John Tidbury said: "The water is fast flowing and extremely dangerous, if people continue to ignore the warnings they do so at their own peril.

"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.

"The water could also be hiding damaged road or missing manhole covers."