'You have to get out': Nando's worker describes moment police evacuated Kirkstall Cardigan Fields due to Storm Ciara flooding

Tom Griffiths, 23, was on shift when police entered the chain restaurant and told everyone to leave.

He said: "We got told to vacate the cardigan fields complex as soon as possible.

"We were told you have to get out.

"By the looks of it places are starting to get closed off, it wasn't exactly flooded in the complex but I think the bank is about to go and it will just spread all over."

A flood warning was upgraded at Kirkstall Cardigan Fields - as the cinema and restaurants are at risk of flooding.

Leeds resident Sam Webster was watching a film when the cinema was evacuated.

She said: "Everyone has just been rushed out.

"People have been blocked from entering and police are blocking the entrance.

"There were blue flashing lights and police were walking up and down telling everyone to leave."

Sam said three police vehicles and a van were stationed at the complex.

A warning on the government website stated: "River levels are rising as a result of persistent heavy rainfall.

"Consequently, flooding of property is expected.

"We expect flooding to affect properties at the area around Cardigan Fields and Kirkstall works businesses.

"Further showers are forecast over the next 24 hours. We expect river levels to rise until 19:00 on 09/02/20.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences and closely monitoring the forecast.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.

"This message will be updated by 00:45 on 10/02/2020, or as the situation changes."

The new warning comes amid another in Kirkstall - with the government warning residents to take 'immediate action'.

River levels in the area are rising as a result of persistent heavy rainfall during Storm Ciara.

A statement on the Government website stated: "River levels are rising as a result of persistent heavy rainfall.

"Consequently, flooding of property is expected.

"We expect flooding to affect properties at St Anns Mill and the Goits.

"Further showers are forecast over the next 24 hours.

"We expect river levels to rise until 19:00 on 09/02/20.

"We are closely monitoring the situation.

"Our incident response staff are checking defences and closely monitoring the forecast.

"Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.

"This message will be updated by 00:45 on 10/02/2020, or as the situation changes."