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Emergency services across north-east England have received hundreds of calls after heavy rain caused localised flooding.

Darlington, Durham, Consett and parts of Northumberland were the worst-hit areas, with some homes flooded.

The Environment Agency had issued flood alerts for the rivers Pont and Blyth and their tributaries.

Durham and Darlington Fire Service said conditions were "severe". There have not been any reports of injuries.

Newcastle United's friendly match against Italian side Fiorentina at St James' Park was called off after 64 minutes due to torrential rain, with the score tied at 0-0.

A fire service spokesman said: "Conditions are severe in some areas where we have had localised flooding.

"There have also been at least two incidents where properties have been struck by lightning.

"However, so far we have not had any reports of people being injured."

Durham Police said an incident room had been set up to deal with calls from the public.

Northumbria Police said some minor roads had been affected by the heavy downpours, but no properties had been hit.

An Environment Agency spokesman said river levels in County Durham and Northumberland were being monitored closely.