BUSY firefighters had to tell some 999 callers that they were unable to assist them due to the demand on the fire service during yesterday's storms.

Stretched crews were unable to attend incidents that fell short of the service's "mobilising criteria".

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said fire control had a "busy afternoon and evening" as high winds and heavy rain led to "some external and internal flooding".

He said there were also instances of people stranded in their vehicles after driving through deep flood water.

He added: "We attended some incidents to assist, but some fell short of our mobilising criteria.

"Crews from Exmouth, Honiton, Chard, Cullompton, Sidmouth, Taunton, Crewkerne and Yeovil were mobilised to assist.

"There were no casualties and anyone who did need rescuing were led to a place of safety, unharmed."