A FLOOD-hit businessman has been left devastated after thieves stole £5,000 worth of ornate mirrors from a lock-up unit.

Gordon Hansford, who has been running Colourflair for more than 40 years, said he could not believe thieves were so heartless as to strike at the height of the floods in Upton-upon-Severn.

The 73-year-old is now offering a £100 reward to anyone who can supply police with information leading to the conviction of the thieves and is urging anyone offered the mirrors for sale to contact officers.

"We've already had to deal with the floods which threatened the warehouse in Main Street and this on top of it is absolutely dreadful," said Mr Hansford who also lives in Upton-upon-Severn.

"We sell very ornate, gilt edged Italian mirrors and I know that there aren't many of us around the area doing that. I firmly believe the thieves targeted me.

"We'd had to move the mirrors to a lock-up unit because of the floods and these thieves were obviously very determined. They had to get through a gate at the edge of the floodwater and presumably used a suitable vehicle to get through the water. They then forced four locks off it to get to the mirrors.

"They struck in the early hours last Friday. I'm hoping their activity either caused someone to notice them or at least by my highlighting the theft others will be on their guard. I do feel as though we've been kicked while we're down because this happened on top of the floods.

"The mirrors are all very elaborate and I think if someone tries to sell them they will arouse suspicion. I'm offering a £100 reward in the hope that the police can catch those responsible."

A spokeswoman for Worcester police said the theft was reported to them. Inquiries were continuing.