Emergency services are warning the residents of Whaley Bridge to expect "three blasts from a horn" followed by sirens if the dam wall breaches today, amid weather fears.

Those evacuated will no longer be allowed to return home to collect essential items due to the increased threat from an incoming storm, police have said.

Throughout Friday evening and Saturday residents were given a 15 minute window to return home and collect pets and urgent medication.

But due to the heavy rain forecast for around lunchtime Sunday, which could increase the flow of water into the dam, police have taken the decision to stop anyone returning to the town.

A police spokesman said: "The attention of officers and other responders has to be on the preservation of life and, while there was an urgent need over the past 24 hours to allow residents back into the area, our first duty is to protect the lives of the public and emergency services.

"Further heavy rain is forecast from around 1pm today (Sunday 4 August) which also has the potential to increase the flow of water entering the Toddbrook Reservoir."