TWO people were rescued from their car after they became trapped in deep floodwater in Ongar.

Emergency services were called to the aid of the pair after they got into difficulty in Millers Green Road.

Firefighters from Chelmsford and Leigh were called to the scene at about 10.10am on Saturday, December 5.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Due to the remote location the vehicle was in, control teams used the What3Words app to help crews locate the vehicle - providing them with a precise 3 metre-squared site.

"On arrival, crews used a water rescue boat to reach the two occupants and then help them to safety by 11.22am."

Following the incident the brigade urged people not to drive in flood water.

It said: "With flooding affecting much of Essex this weekend, sadly incidents like this where people drive into flood water are more common than you think.

"Please follow our advice - if you come across a flooded road, turn around and find another route.

"Do not attempt to drive through flood water, even just a couple of feet of water is enough to float your vehicle, reduce your speed and allow extra braking distance.

"Remember, firefighters cannot attend to recover your vehicle if it gets stuck - so please only call 999 if there is a risk to life."

The service also urged people to download the What3Words app.

The spokesman added: "This incident is another excellent example of how the What3Words app can make it easier for crews to reach people in need as quickly as possible.

"What3Words has divided the world into three metre squares - all of which have unique three word combinations.

"It makes it easier to tell our control teams where you are, particularly if you're in a remote or isolated area - and they can then pass that on to crews directly."