The church had a narrow escape a month earlier when pews and the carpet were taken up but they were back in place when the flood water eventually hit.

BBC: Severn Stoke church flood damage cost unknown

On Saturday, President Kumaratunga had a narrow escape when a suspected Tamil Tiger suicide bomber attacked her campaign rally.

BBC: Kumaratunga promises end to hatred

Third seed Lleyton Hewitt had a narrow escape against Vince Spadea, coming through 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-5) 6-4.

BBC: Murray was broken only once by the Paraguayan

Toulouse came out fired up after the break and Leinster endured a narrow escape after Florian Fritz's superb break.

BBC: Leinster 20-13 Toulouse

The visitors had a narrow escape in the eighth minute as the Irish had three attempts on goal in a frantic attack.

BBC: Republic of Ireland 2-3 Russia

In his travelling life he had many a narrow escape.

ECONOMIST: Eric Newby

The European Union as a whole still seems likely to escape recession next year, but for Germany, the EU's largest economy, the escape will be a particularly narrow one.

ECONOMIST: The gathering gloom | The

Correspondents said it was possible Mrs Kumaratunga had benefited from a sympathy vote following her narrow escape - but that the attack may equally have turned Sinhalese voters away from the opposition's plan to open talks with the rebels.

BBC: Kumaratunga promises end to hatred