A TOWN centre in Worcestershire is expected to remain closed for several days after a serious fire left a number of buildings unsafe.

Coventry Street in Kidderminster is blocked off at its junction with the ring-road following the fire which began at a shop called The Treasury between 3am and 4.30am on Sunday, July 1.

The fire left the building and part of those on either side of it in an unsafe condition. They were examined by structural engineers this afternoon, and are now being boarded up to allow workmen to begin making them safe.

Diversions have been set up, directing traffic along Blackwell Street and Bromsgrove Street.

Detective Sergeant Mark O'Connor of Kidderminster CID said: "We are working closely with our colleagues from the fire service and local authority to establish what happened and keep disruption to a minimum for users of the town centre.

"A fire service investigation team and police forensics officers have been at the site for much of the day and we can confirm the fire is being treated as suspicious.

"Door to door inquiries have been carried out and CCTV is being examined."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Kidderminster CID on 08457 444888 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.