Sentinel Close house fire in Worcester thought to be arson

Neighbours were awakened to a "significant" house fire on Sentinel Close yesterday (September 23) morning.

The front door was destroyed and there was extensive smoke damage to the house at the front of the property after the fire broke out at 12.29am.

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Police are now investigating suspected arson on the property and appealing for anybody who may have witnessed anything to come forward.

DESTROYED: The front door of the property. (Image: NQ)

Detective Inspector Oliver Moore said: "I understand that an incident like this and a police presence in the area can cause concern to residents, but I would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident.

"I appeal for anybody with any information or somebody who may have seen anything around the time of the incident to get in touch with the police".

The owner of the property, who did not want to be named, said it was just him inside, and no one was injured.

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One neighbour said he was alerted to something wrong after people started banging on his front door, telling him to get out of the property.

"I looked out the door and saw smoke coming from one of the top windows, and then I started getting people out of the house," he said.

"I did hear a noise beforehand and then heard the banging on my door.

DAMAGED: The front of the property. (Image: NQ)

"I was more interested in getting people out and concerned about my neighbour who was stuck on the top floor."

Three fire crews from Worcester, Upton-upon-Severn and Droitwich were at the scene.

West Mercia Police also arrived at the scene shortly after 11am.

Fire crews investigated the scene this morning with a fire dog in attendance and were seen leaving at around 2pm. 

Three men from Cadent Gas, who wore orange hi-vis jackets, were also at the property this morning carrying out work on the scene.

People have been urged to contact DC Dudman at simon.dudman@westmercia.police.uk or by calling 07811769500 if they have any information about the incident.

Alternatively, if you have information but are uncomfortable speaking to police, you can talk to the independent charity Crimestoppers.

You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Worcester News has contacted Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and is awaiting a response.