KIDDERMINSTER canal flooded after vandals left the gates open, according to police.

The stretch of water between Sainsbury’s and Tesco, close to the ring road, flooded in the early hours of the morning.

Police were called at 12.30am, by residents fearing it would flood McDonalds and that the subway would be impassable.

A narrowboat holidaymaker also called to tell police his boat was lifting out of the water.

On investigation, police found the water level between Wolverley and Kinver was low, while in Kidderminster town centre it was high and the towpath was flooded.

Police believe vandals left gates and paddles open and water flowed from Wolverley to Kidderminster.

British Waterways were at the scene during the night and they refilled the canal right up to Kinver.

There is some damage to the towpath in Kidderminster.