Sightseers are being warned to keep away from the sea

As well as police, a team of about 12 coastguards tried to keep people away from the danger of a spring tide in gale-force winds in Looe.

The sea breached the harbour wall on Wednesday night, causing more than 3feet (1 metre) of water to flood numerous shops, businesses and homes.

The water also threw rocks on to harbour-front roads.

Evacuation centre

One member of the coastguard team said: "You could see from the conditions that it was not a safe place."

The town's lifeboat station was completely flooded, making it impossible to launch the boat.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Early liaison with Cornwall's Emergency Planning Team resulted in an evacuation centre being opened.

"Police Silver Control was set up at Looe Community College as the police station was under threat from flood water. But water levels rose no further and there were no evacuations from it."

Coastguards are advising sightseers to keep away from the waves.