It was the wettest day ever — and last night a family were mourning a “heroic” policeman and thousands of others were left counting the cost.

The “Biblical” downpour over Cumbria was the highest level of rainfall measured in England since records began, forecasters said, with 314mm - more than foot of rain - falling in 24 hours.

The grim record brought chaos as floods swept away bridges, forced hundreds of people from their homes and closed roads.

Julian Mayes, a forecaster with MeteoGroup UK, the weather division of the Press Association, described it as a “historical event”.

The police officer who died would have celebrated his 45th birthday tomorrow.

Pc Bill Barker was directing motorists away from Northside bridge in Workington, Cumbria, when it collapsed and he disappeared into the swollen waters of the River Derwent at about 4.40am.

The officer, from Egremont, served with Cumbria Police for 25 years and leaves a wife, Hazel, and four children.

She said: “How do you put into words how you feel about somebody you are so proud of?

“Bill was my best friend, my forever friend, and an amazing dad. Even when he was exhausted from work he would always take time out for the kids.

“I have the comfort of knowing that Bill died doing the job he loved, and the fact that he was helping others is just typical Bill.”

Cumbria Police chief constable Craig Mackey said Pc Barker was “a wonderful police officer and a real family man”.

He said: “Bill is a hero who died saving the lives of others and our thoughts are with his family at this devastating time. He was a much loved friend, colleague and an inspiration to everyone he knew - he will be sadly missed.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Pc Barker was “a very heroic, very brave man”.

He said: “I think we owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for the service he has shown.”

Pc Barker's body was found on a beach in nearby Allonby.