AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a fire broke out in the roof of Malvern building, being converted in to a Marks & Spencer superstore.

The blaze started just before midnight on Friday at the former Focus DIY building in Madford Retail park, off Roman Way.

Fire crews from Worcester had to cut away part of the roof to the two-storey building in order to tackle it safely.

The fire took around one hour to be put out - and the reasons for how it started are as yet unknown.

Retail giant Marks & Spencer is set to move into the vacant building, near the Morrisons supermarket.

A spokesman for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "It was 11.57pm on Friday night when we received a call to say the roof of the two-storey building was on fire.

"Fire crews from Worcester had to use a turntable and cut away part of the roof. It took about an hour to put out.

"It is safe to say that an investigation into the cause of the fire is being carried out. We want to be able to determine how it started."

Plans are already in place for the unit to become a 3,000 square metre (33,000 square feet) Marks & Spencer store next year.

It will sell clothing and contain a food hall, bakery and cafe.