Thousands of homes narrowly escaped serious flooding as river levels came “within centimeters” of breaching defences in Manchester, writes BBC.

The Environment Agency said flood basins on the River Mersey in Didsbury came very close to being overwhelmed.

People evacuated from 2,000 homes overnight have been told they can return after river levels started to recede.

A major incident declared by Greater Manchester Police has been stood down.­

“The latest update we have received has suggested that we are past the worst point of potential flooding”, - a spokesman said.