Flood risk forces evacuation as Britain braces for big freeze

Britain is on weather alert with warnings of floods, wind, snow and ice covering large parts of the country. 

In Essex, thousands of people are preparing to be evacuated in the village of Jaywick due to the threat of flooding. 

The evacuation for Jaywick's 4,665 residents is scheduled to start at 7am, with police going door to door to inform them and ensure homes left unattended would be secure. 

Essex Police Chief Inspector Russ Cole said: "This decision has not been taken lightly and has been made in the best interests of all residents to ensure their safety until the severe weather passes." 

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for combinations of high winds, snow and ice. 

The Environment Agency's seven severe flood warnings - which warn of a danger to life - are in place for Friday lunchtime in coastal areas of Essex and Suffolk in the face of gale-force winds and high tides. 

Coastal communities in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have been told they should be prepared for large waves and possible flooding. 

About 3,000 residents have been urged to leave their homes or move upstairs in Skegness on the Lincolnshire coast, while Suffolk Police said more than 1,000 properties are likely to be evacuated because they are at risk of flooding.