The victims, in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, were using a petrol-powered pump because they had no electricity and are thought to have been overcome by the fumes.

Gloucestershire Police were called to Tewkesbury Rugby Club at 7.50am after reports that two people pumping water there could not be contacted.

A spokeswoman said police and the fire service entered the building and found two men who were declared dead at the scene.

The deaths are being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched.

Chief fire officer Terry Standing urged members of the public to think about safety first while trying to clear up the flood damage.