Cumbria has been hit hard by major flooding, forcing rescue workers to scramble to rescue as many trapped individuals as possible. Police officer Bill Barker, 45, may have become a victim himself after falling into the River Derwent when the overlying bridge was destroyed by flooding in Workington.
According to police officials Barker, a roads policing officer, was directing motorists off the bridge when it collapsed.
A body dressed in a police uniform was found by rescue teams Friday. Although the identity of the body has yet to be confirmed, Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham fears the worst.
"I'm devastated by the events of the last few days and particularly the news this morning that one of our officers is unaccounted for," Graham said. "However, I am so proud of the way our communities and the emergency services are working together in the face of this crisis."
