A FORMER police officer has set up a company in Worcstershire to help businesses and householders devastated by fire and flood.

David Hanson, who was a detective sergeant with West Midlands Police, his teamed up with stepson Sam Wright to invest in the Rainbow International franchise.

Together, they will provide a 24/7 response service to help householders and businesses hit by flood, fire and accidental damage.

They will also help a wide variety of commercial organisations which require specialist cleaning in the event of fire or flood.

The rapid response unit currently employs five people and will take on more staff as business expands.

Mr Hanson, aged 52, has extensive experience in assisting flood-stricken businesses and householders after he set up his own business, Trident Restoration, after his retirement from the police in 2010. He said he had invested heavily in new dehumidifiers, heaters and air blowers after taking on the Rainbow International franchise.

This means that the firm is ready to tackle any flooding incidents this winter.

“I expect the biggest number of call-outs to come from people suffering from burst pipes if the area is hit by freezing temperatures again this winter,” he said.