Tributes paid to flood victim

The man was killed after becoming stuck in neck-high water in a storm drain in Hessle, near Hull.

According to businessman Geoffrey Claxton, the 28-year-old was one of the workers at his family's fish importing business.

Speaking at his home just a few yards from where the tragedy unfolded, Mr Claxton said the man apparently got his foot trapped in a makeshift metal grille in a storm drain.

Mr Claxton, 76, said he had been working to clear the drain in Astral Close when tragedy struck at about 11am.

He said: "I was trying to get the detritus from the grid. I was in there with my chest waders and I was starting to get a bit shaky. (He) came over and said 'Get yourself out, there's nothing you can do'."

Mr Claxton said he went back into the house for a shower and to warm up. When he returned, the man was up to his neck in water with a number of people gathered round him, trying to help. Mr Claxton said he went back two or three times to see how the man was. By the third time he was unconscious. "He was a lovely lad and great employee," he said. "It's a total tragedy."

Firefighters and police divers fought valiantly for about four hours to rescue the victim. Reports said amputating his foot was even considered at one point. It is believed he died from the cold and did not drown.

Glenn Ramsden, of Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said the rescue had been an "absolutely desperate operation". He said the force of water severely hampered the operation, especially as the water was filled with all kinds of debris, including boulders.

Humberside Police confirmed the man had died, but gave no further details. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.