Britain sends in more troops after floods

Britain's government said on Sunday it will send more troops to tackle "unprecedented" flooding in northern England which has forced hundreds to flee their homes, including in the historic tourist city of York.

Prime Minister David Cameron made the announcement after hosting a conference call of the emergency COBRA committee on the floods, which have caused chaos during the post-Christmas holiday period.

An extra 200 military personnel are being sent in to work with the 300 already on the ground. A further 1,000 troops are on standby in case the situation gets worse, Downing Street said.