THE devastated owners of the holiday accommodation at Malvern Link Station destroyed by fire have thanked the community who have rallied to support them.
Chloe and Lee Bone, the owners of Station House Luxury Holiday Cottage, have also released CCTV video of a man police want to speak to.
Mrs Bone said: "Just after midnight on March 7 we received a phone call telling us that the Station House was on fire.
"Never in a million years did we ever think we would hear those words.
"Thankfully no one was injured, but the damage is devastating and was caused in the space of around only 20 minutes."
West Mercia Police confirmed the fire is being treated as arson, while Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service launched an investigation into the fire.
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Mrs Bone said: "At 4am the scene of a fire became the scene of a crime.
"As a family we are left heartbroken that the place we poured our heart and souls into has become the subject of such a selfish and thoughtless act.
"We are heartbroken beyond belief.
"We would like to thank everyone for their support - the house has become a huge part of the community.
Mrs Bone said their accommodation in Worcester Road, Malvern, is "closed for the foreseeable future" while they try to repair the damage, and they are also contacting people who were due to be booked in for a stay.
Police released CCTV images from the footage saying they wanted to speak to the man as part of the arson investigation.
Police said: "Anyone who recognises this man, or may have any information about the fire, is asked to contact DC Gareth Hicks on 07977957762 or gareth.hicks@westmercia.police.uk quoting crime reference number 22/22232/23."
A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service told us: “The fire involved a two-storey terraced property in Worcester Road, near Malvern Link Train Station, which is used as holiday accommodation.
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“Two crews from Worcester Fire Station attended along with Malvern, Upton and the incident command unit from Ledbury.
“All people were accounted for as the fire spread from the balcony to the ground and first floor.
“The building was 100 per cent damaged by smoke and 20 per cent by fire."
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