TORRENTIAL downpours have led to the closure of roads in St Helens this afternoon.

Flash flooding has forced St Helens Council to close Boundary Road between the junctions of Knowsley Road and Kirkland Street.

A council statement read: "The Council apologises for any inconvenience and says the road will re-open once the flooding subsides."

Showers hammered down down from about 2pm during thunderstorms. They lasted between 20 and 40 minutes in different parts of town.

Some Star readers say the flash foods were the worst they can remember.

Fire crews have been called out to deal with flooding in several areas of St Helens and Whiston.

Millbrook Lane in Eccleston was among the areas worst hit.

Ex-Broadway school teacher and Saints RLFC historian Alex Service said: "We had a terrific downpour here and water swept down from the Ecclesfield area down to Millbrook Lane.

"The area around the Seven Stars can best be described as a raging torrent as all the flood water collected."

STAR readers can send their pictures of the flash floods to news@sthelensstar.co.uk