Parts of Gravesend were left flooded after high spring tides yesterday.

The Environment Agency shut the barrier to protect the capital from flooding in the aftermath of Storm Imogen as well as tidal pressures; causing the water level to rise further down the river.

It meant Gravesend's designated flood plains filled with water, to protect the rest of the town.

Gravesend's Prom was under water, while cars have had their wheels submerged in the nearby Royal Clarendon Hotel car park.

Steve East, engineering manager at the Thames Barrier, said: “We are closing the barrier to protect London from the threat of flooding due to the high level of rain last week combined with high tides from the sea."

The closure marks the 176th time the barrier has been shut, not including scheduled closures for inspections, in its 34 year history.

Send in your pictures to gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk.