A WARNING has gone out to motorists after a van driver became stuck in a flooded ford.

The incident happened at Squires Walk, Kempsey, near Worcester, at 2.30pm yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance sent an emergency care practitioner in a rapid response vehicle and an incident support officer to the scene.

“Water was up to side windows,” said a spokesman. “The driver, a 45-year-old man, was sitting on top of his seat so that he kept dry as the water had come inside his van.

“The fire service managed to get a winch on to the van from an AA van and the vehicle was pulled out. Fortunately, the patient was unhurt, if somewhat embarrassed.

“This incident does raise some serious concerns – with all of the rain that the area has been having many fords that are usually only a few inches deep are now sometimes several feet deep.

“There are generally warning signs at fords and drivers should take care to check that it is safe to cross. We have previously had cases where vehicles have been swept away and overturned which could have potentially fatal consequences.”

A Hereford and Worcester Fire & Rescue Service spokeswoman said firefighters were ready to rescue the man from the van, until the timely arrival of the recovery vehicle.

Yesterday a series of flood warnings were issued in Herefordshire.

The Environment Agency issued red flood warning alerts for the river Wye throughout Herefordshire.

Despite high river levels on the river Severn there have been no warnings issued in Worcestershire.

More than 80 flood warnings and watches have been put in place across England and Wales with more heavy rainfall expected over the next 48 hours.

For further information visit environment-agency.co.uk or call floodline on 0845 988 1188.