EMERGENCY services have been rushed off their feet overnight as flood waters continued to rise, effectively cutting off Malvern from the north of the county.

In Powick more than 30 people were evacuated from their homes by the fire brigade shortly after 2am.

No-one was injured but an elderly and frail resident who had been previously house bound had to be carried to safety and taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

All residents descended on The Red Lion pub in the village after water began pouring into their homes.

Landlord Richard Sizer opened his doors at about 1.30am and was serving up tea and coffee to distressed homeowners.

"I went to bed as normal after closing up and was in a deep sleep," he said. "Then I woke to lots of commotion. I just thought it was people arguing outside, but then I got a call from my right hand man to say he was flooded and could he come round.

"When I opened the door there were people all outside, their homes had been totally flooded. We opened the doors and let them all in. There were lots of people understandably very upset but we tried to lift there spirits."

Mr Sizer said dozens of cars had also been left on the pub car park as people desperately tried to remove their belongings from the flooded areas.

Barriers were erected in Upton-upon-Severn, but the Hanley Road waterfront and High Street were still closed.

David Swinburn, landlord of The Fox Inn at Bransford said: "Several properties in Bransford are flooded including ourselves.

"The pub is currently flooded inside by about three feet of water and the main road is still closed."

Alec Mackie, spokesman for the fire service, said: "We had people on call throughout the night and called in an extra crew in Worcester as we knew it was going to be busy."

If you have been caught up in the floods call us on 01684 892200.

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