Torrential rain swept through Oxfordshire today bringing the fear of widespread flooding throughout the region and treacherous driving conditions.

Villagers in Kidlington, who were issued with sandbags on Tuesday, were holding their breath as the River Cherwell threatened to burst its banks.

But despite the heavy downpours which swept northwards through the county from the Reading area, the Environment Agency said levels in the Cherwell appeared to be slowly coming down.

In the Thames, the levels remained steady but were not yet reducing, and with more rain forecast, they could continue to rise.

Conditions on the main roads around Oxford were extremely hazardous for drivers in the morning rush-hour.

Three people escaped with minor injuries when two cars collided on the A34 near the Botley interchange, bringing rush-hour traffic on the southbound carriageway to a halt. The casualties were treated at the scene.

A car crashed on the Crowmarsh to Henley road, and another collision occurred near Bicester.

In Banbury, the Spiceball Sports Centre was closed because of flooding.

The Met Office said no let-up in the wet weather was likely.