More details emerge about the rescue of a family trapped in their car by Storm Ciara flooding

Northumbria Police received reports of the car and it’s occupants but had little information to work with as the female driver was unable to access Google Maps, due to the rural location to tell officers where they were.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter was requested to assist police with the search.

Officers located the white Suzuki Splash, which was carrying four people, including an eight year old child which was stuck in substantial floodwater.

They received reports that the occupants were trapped and panicking due to water entering the vehicle.

Crews landed nearby to carry out the rescue and rescued the family from the rear window of the car, the NPAS said.

Northumbria Police reported yesterday that the family are from Sunderland and urged people to be cautious when travelling in rural areas during bad weather.

Ian Vause, Assistant Operations Director (North East and Central) for the National Police Air Service, said:“From time to time, NPAS crews carry out ad hoc landings after completing a risk assessment. In this instance, the crew recognised that the family were in danger and identified a suitable landing place allowing the Tactical Flight Officers to exit the aircraft and rescue the family. This was a great outcome and demonstrates how our crews help to save lives and protect the public 27/4, 365 days a year.”