Cyclists and walkers were warned to stay away from the River Thames as flood waters continued to rise.

Heavy weekend rain caused flood waters yesterday in Oxford to cover sections of the towpath south of Osney lock, near the boathouses between Folly Bridge and Donnington Bridge and across Port Meadow, and fields next to the river were completely flooded.

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Environment Agency spokesman Chris Mitchell said water levels were measured at about 12ft at Osney lock today, one of the highest readings since major flooding of the city in 2003. It was due to peak last night.

He said: "There is a good chance of being swept away because the flow is very, very fast. We would always advise people to stay away from the river's edge and certainly not to walk or cycle through any flooded areas because you don't know how fast the flow is. The water covering the towpath could be quite shallow but the flow could be very fast and knock you off your feet."

The warning comes seven weeks after teenager Ben Halsey-Jones drowned after falling into the Thames.

Mr Mitchell added: "We also strongly advise boats not to use the river because the flows are just too high and it's dangerous."

Mr Mitchell said the rate of flow was nearly four times the average for March.

Oxford City Council workers put up warning signs along the towpath on Wednesday but will not be shutting the paths.

Council spokesman Louisa Dean said: "Due to the recent weather, river levels are higher than normal and some areas in Oxford have been affected by flooding.

"When river levels are high, some parts of the towpath may be flooded and the edge of the river channel hidden. When this happens, users are recommended to find an alternative route.

"The situation can change hourly and we advise people to be cautious when using footpaths and towpaths."

City and county councillor Sushila Dhall, who called for action to be taken on the towpaths after Ben's death, said the towpath was a public right of way and could not be closed without an order from the county council.

She said: "If you see a bit of the towpath where you feel an accident could happen, contact the county council immediately. People need to bear in mind the recent tragedy and exercise extreme care, and I think people will take care because the water is running across it and the danger is obvious."