Firefighters are working with Network Rail contractors to initiate a controlled landslip of 350,000 tonnes of soil and rock above the main line railway between Teignmouth and Dawlish.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue crews are using specialist high volume pumping teams from Wellington, Sidmouth, and Stn 60 SHQ, supported by fire crews from Teignmouth and Newton Abbot.

The crews have been working with Network Rail contractors and their geologist to pump water from the sea via a high volume pump 50 meters up the cliff face to the scene of operations above the landslip site.

Crews have also set into a hydrant in Teignmouth Road, Dawlish to provide further water.

The Incident Command Unit and supporting appliance from Totnes were mobilised to attend Teignmouth fire station where a command centre was set up to initiate the complex pumping operation.

The high volume pump was loaded onto a Network Rail rolling stock at Dawlish Railway Station and taken along the railway line to the scene of operations.

Fire crews from Teignmouth, Middlemoor and Dawlish pumped water into the fracture line.