AN elderly man had to be rescued after two cars became submerged in the ford at Shell.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is urging motorists to be extra cautious when river levels are higher than usual after being called to the incident on Friday, June 15.

Shortly after 1.30pm, the service received reports that two cars were submerged in the ford at Shell, near Himbleton. Crews from Droitwich and Kidderminster plus the rescue boats from Worcester and Evesham attended. The elderly man was rescued from one of the cars after firefighters used an inflatable sledge and a ladder. They gave him emergency first aid at the scene and he was then taken by ambulance to hospital.

HWFRS is urging anyone who uses a route that includes a ford to keep themselves updated with the local flood warnings and weather reports, and to avoid driving through the ford when river levels are higher than usual.