Water swamped the banks of Gravesend, Greenhithe and south east London yesterday - as the Thames overflowed, leaving a drenched playground in its wake.

The Environment Agency issued flood warnings for the Thames Estuary, and from the Essex Coast to the Dartford Crossing, predicting high tide in Dartford at around 2pm (February 10).

The areas at risk of tidal flooding include Crayford, Greenhithe, Northfleet, Gravesend and the North Kent Marshes.

The river was thought to be affected by a combination of "astronomical" spring tides and high winds - leading to low-impact flooding, which should not pose a risk to people's homes.

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Emma Bilby shared this picture from Ingress Park, near the Pier pub, and joked: "Playground's looking fun today".

Meanwhile, Lauren Hutchinson took this snap as cars became surrounded by water at the Gravesend Pier.

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In Thamesmead, the pavements were flooded with water as high tide hit in the afternoon.

Rosemarie Salter shared this pictured of the scene.

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An Environment Agency workers took these pictures from further along the Thames Barrier, showing the "before and after" effects at a different playground.

Alan Barrier tweeted: "The #ThamesBarrier is now closed, protecting #London from the threat of tidal flooding for the 176th time (sic).

"Sorry kids. Our playground is designed to flood when we close the #ThamesBarrier so no playing on the swings today."

Before

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After

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He told News Shopper: "This area is designed to flood and is blocked off to the public for this reason."

Were you affected by the flooding? Send your pictures to: josie.griffiths@london.newsquest.co.uk

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