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An enterprising motorist paddled to safety on a floating traffic barrier after his car was submerged by flood water in a Lewisham street.

The hapless driver turned his misfortune around to deftly negotiate his way out of the rising rainwater on Loampit Vale.

His nearby car was left partially submerged after torrential downpours overnight.

A witness said the motorist had tried to drive the car through the water, which is several feet deep in places, but the engine cut out, leaving him stranded.

Vlad Ignatescu, whose flat overlooks the flood, said: "The driver tried to make it to the other side and I think the engine stopped under the bridge.

"He got out of the car and waited on one of the plastic barrier boxes for an intervention car to arrive.

"He left with a police officer when he was told that it was dangerous to remain there."

The flooding closed Lewisham DLR station for several hours this morning and caused traffic chaos in the area.

Mr Ignatescu said: "There are construction sites all around the area and the small stream is being diverted around through pipes.

"If the pumping stations fail or can't handle the water intake, then you are left with this situation. I believe that is what has happened last night, but I could be wrong."

However, the Environment Agency, which investigated a similar incident in the same area in November 2014, said this time the flooding appeared not to be related to building work.

A spokesman said: "Our 2014 investigation into flooding in Loampit Vale, Lewisham, was related to issues around some temporary works that were taking place around the River Ravensbourne.

"Through our review we identified some issues and worked with the contractors to resolve them.

"High volumes of rainfall overnight has caused surface water flooding in the area; this is not related to the issues experienced and resolved in 2014."

Do you know the inventive driver in these pictures? Did you film the incident? Call the news desk on 02036152500 or email news@standard.co.uk