River Lark in Bury St Edmunds bursts its banks by Abbey Gardens in aftermath of Storm Ciarán

The river that runs alongside the award-winning Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds has overflowed.

The River Lark has burst its banks next to the gardens, with water pouring over into part of the children’s play area, at the sandpit location.

The footpath and cycleway, at the back of the Great Churchyard and near the Abbey Gardens, also saw flooding.

The route, which links the Moreton Hall estate to the town centre, was impassable.

Passersby said they had seen nothing like it in 10 years of living in the town.

It follows numerous flood warnings and alerts issued across Suffolk due to Storm Ciarán.

There is currently a flood alert in place for the River Lark.

The Government website says: “Flooding is possible in this area. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding.”