In Britain, about 200 people have been rescued by the emergency services from the town of Cockermouth in northern England hit by devastating floods. Air Force helicopters airlifted at least 50 to safety, with some forced to break through the roofs of their houses.<br/>The British Environment Agency said the situation in the area was very serious. The worst hit have been the towns of Cockermouth and Keswick. Local police said water levels in Cockermouth center had reached more than 2.5 meters and one police officer was missing after a bridge collapsed over a flooded river in Workington.<br/>The Environment Agency has in place four severe flood warnings – all in Cumbria – 27 flood warnings in the Midlands, Wales and north-east and north-west England and 54 less serious flood watches.<br/>