A terrified Essex family waded waist-deep through a raging torrent to escape flash floods which devastated a Cornish village.

The Polley family, of Colchester, were visiting Boscastle in north Cornwall yesterday when the freak floods ripped through the picturesque holiday village

And pet dog Edd had a miracle escape.

The family's VW camper van was washed away by the force of the deluge as it crashed through the streets.

Just moments earlier Brian and Mary Polley, and daughter April, aged 15, had returned to get Edd from the vehicle.

April's sister Jo, 17, who is at home in the St John's area of Colchester, said today: "They were going to leave Edd in the camper van, but they decided to take him with them.

"The rain appeared from out of nowhere. Mum said they were wading waist deep in the water.

"She said everything had gone, but they are safe."

Published Tuesday August 17, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette