Two horses were rescued from floodwaters reaching up to their chests in Anstey near Leicester, where heavy rains caused significant flooding. The Next Chapter Horse Rescue sanctuary in Countesthorpe has been overwhelmed with calls from horse owners seeking shelter for their animals, as floodwaters have inundated fields and other areas including Glenfield and Groby. The Environment Agency issued a flood warning for Rothley Brook in Anstey early Saturday, with local infrastructure such as the Co-op supermarket car park submerged and several roads closed due to flooding.

The sanctuary’s Shelley Page reported receiving requests for help not only from horse owners but also from Leicestershire Police and fire services, highlighting the severity of the situation. Flooding has disrupted transport services, including bus route diversions, and caused road closures in Leicester and surrounding areas. The community continues to cope with the aftermath of the heavy rain and ongoing flood risks.