Watch: Dramatic moment bridge collapses into swollen river in Tadcaster

This is the moment an ancient bridge collapsed into a swollen river in one of Britain’s most flood-hit areas.

Homes near the 18th century bridge in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, were evacuated after it toppled into the River Wharfe, causing a gas leak.

Video from the scene shows the moment the stone structure gave way as parts tumbled into the river below.

The bridge had already been closed over safety fears as crowds gathered on Tuesday when stone could be heard falling into the water.

Just before 5pm, a huge chunk fell into the river a few feet below.

Police and firefighters arrived within 10 minutes after people reported a strong smell of gas from the pipes left visible in the gaping hole.

A large cordon was put in place on a section of main road either side of the bridge while people were told to leave the area because of the leak.