A man died in the River Rothay in Ambleside which was swollen way beyond its usual level. Photo: Martin Dawes CC-BY-SA-2.0

Two people have died in incidents in rivers after a major winter storm brought torrential rain and high winds to much of Britain.

Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 2.30pm after reports that a man had been swept away in the River Rothay in Ambleside.

A team spokesperson said the man was probably trying to save his dog from the water. The spokesperson said: “The dog managed to get back out of the water, but the man was swept away.

“A search was organised, involving police, ambulance, fire service, lake wardens and Coastguard.

“Sadly, he was located, deceased, in the water some time later.”

Twelve team members were involved in the rescue operation, along with a member of Patterdale MRT who was passing.

A Cumbria Constabulary spokesperson said: “The man was pronounced dead at the scene and officers are now working to identify the man and inform his next of kin.

“Police are urging people not to enter the local rivers or lakes as the water is very fast moving and dangerous.”

In north Wales, a woman died in a river on the edge of Snowdonia national park.

Police were called shortly before 4pm today after reports the woman was in the water at Nant Ffrancon near Bethesda.

Members of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation joined North Wales Fire and Rescue at the site.

A North Wales Police spokesperson said: “Unfortunately the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

“An investigation is underway.”