Torrential rain has sent heavy floodwaters across northwest England and Ireland, washing out road bridges and surging through urban streets and homes.

Britain’s Met Office reported 31.4 centimetres of rainfall in 24 hours on Friday – the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the UK.

About 1300 homes have been flooded in England’s Lake District, while a policeman died after a bridge he was standing on collapsed.

Emergency services rescued about 200 people in the Cumbrian town of Cockermouth as soldiers undertook door-to-door searches in water as deep as 2.4 metres.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has urged affected residents to contact their insurer as soon as possible.

“The first priority for insurers will be to ensure that every claim is dealt with as quickly as possible and they will do everything they can to help customers recover,” ABI Director of General Insurance and Health Nick Starling said.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has pledged an additional £1 million ($1.8 million) in aid to flood-affected communities.