These photos reveal the extent of the flooding in Suffolk and Essex when a tidal surge battered the coastline.

The images, captured by aerial photographer Mike Page, detail the aftermath of the floodwaters that forced the evacuation of thousands of homes, saw busy transport routes closed and communities cut-off.

The impact of the tidal surge, which in places was higher than the sea levels recorded in 1953, and flooding has been widespread.

Dingle Marshes, between Walberswick and Dunwich, was among the coastline worst-hit with the RSPB’s north Suffolk coast sites manager describing the reserve as “an inland sea”.

There are now fears for the safety of specialised reedbed wildlife species, particularly bittern, with the effects of the salt water incursion.

The vulnerability of the low-lying coast is emphasised in the images as virtually every nature reserve from Lowestoft to Felixstowe suffered at least some damage.

Photos of the coastline at Southwold reveal the damage to the resort’s beach huts with some of the wooden structures falling victim to the brutal force of the waves.

Southwold’s harbour area, including a number of houses in Blackshore and the Harbour Inn pub, were badly flooded.

Evacuation centres were set up in numerous towns and villages in coastal areas to provide shelter for those forced to leave their homes and businesses.