KENYA’S government began bulldozing homes built in flood-prone areas today and promising evicted families the equivalent of £60 to relocate after a deadline passed to evacuate amid deadly rains.

In the capital Nairobi a bulldozer ripped through iron-sheet walls as people watched in despair. Security forces with guns and batons stood guard and fired tear gas at some residents.

The government last week told thousands of people living near rivers, dams and other flood-prone areas to vacate as heavy rains that have left 238 people dead in recent weeks continue to pound.