Tidal wave heading for English Channel poses 'extreme danger to life'

A three-metre tidal wave is predicted to surge down the English Channel in the next 12 hours posing an "extreme danger to life and property", experts have warned.

Coupled with storms and high tides, the wave could leave swathes of the east coast under water, according to the Environment Agency.

A combination of gale force winds off the coast of Scotland and high tides are expected to cause floods which could breach sea defences.

• Nine severe flood warnings issued by Environment Agency

• Surge expected to hit east coast in next 12 hours

• Police on standby to evacuate homes

• Dartford Creek and Thames barriers closed

The Thames Barrier will be closed at 8pm to protect against the tidal surge

The surge is expected to hit the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex coastline from early tomorrow morning.

About 8,000 properties in Great Yarmouth and 1,800 in Lowestoft could be at risk.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called a special COBRA Cabinet Office meeting to coordinate an emergency reponse.

John Healey, minister of state for local communities, said: "COBRA will be on full alert throughout the night, and the Prime Minister will be keeping in close touch and keeping on top of things."

In a statement to the Commons tonight, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said police were on standby in the areas most likely to be affected to evacuate homes if necessary.

"A tidal surge of up to three metres is making its way down the North Sea which could coincide with peak high-tides," he said.