AN URGENT rescue operation was underway today to evacuate nearly 50 vulnerable OAPS by boat after their retirement village was flooded under five feet of water.

Emergency services have rushed to Weaver Court in Northwich, Cheshire, after it was left without any electricity or heating due to heavy flooding on Thursday morning.

The vulnerable residents, some suffering from dementia, have been trapped after their homes were submerged in more than five feet of water.

Storm Christoph has battered Northwich with heavy rain and snow - with the town waking up to mass flooding throughout its streets and buildings.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue and Cheshire West and Cheshire Council have spearheaded a rescue mission to save the vulnerable residents at the home who have been left stranded.

Multiple fire engines rushed to the scene earlier today and a rescue boat has been deployed to safely evacuate the pensioners.

Around 50 residents and staff are believed to be stuck in the building.

Lesley Davenport, whose 87-year-old grandma and 94-year-old granddad live at Weaver Court, said they were all “het up” as they wait for their loved ones to be rescued.

She said: “They are going to be really cold – that is the main concern.

“There was a lady wading through the water, waist deep, just to get to the building. We are all het up – nothing seems to be getting done.

“I’ve been out here for a hour and a half and they just seem to be having meeting after meeting.

“The houseboats were evacuated yesterday and that’s when they should have evacuated Weaver Court.”