BUILDINGS badly damaged in an arson attack on a derelict industrial site could be demolished in the next few days.

Fire chiefs confirmed the blaze that swept through the North Site in Leigh Sinton Road, Malvern, was caused by arsonists.

It took 25 firefighters four hours to extinguish the flames, which could be seen for up to 10 miles.

The main building was destroyed and outhouses damaged in the fire, which happened on the evening of Thursday, May 26.

And, speaking yesterday, Alec Mackie, of Hereford and Worcester's Fire and Rescue Service said two areas were identified on the site where fires had been deliberately started.

But a South Worcest-ershire police spokesman said they had been unable to investigate it any further as they were not allowed to enter the damaged building due to its poor state.

The site, which has been vacant for several years, used to be owned by the Ministry of Defence and is now owned by Persimmon Homes, which hopes to build up to 290 houses there. A Persimmon spoke-swoman said the company had since repaired damage caused to the perimeter fence and has been in contact with the relevant authorities before demolishing the damaged structures at the end of this week. "We can confirm we believe the fire was started deliberately by someone who had breached our 12-foot-high perimeter fence," she added. "Our security personal remain on site and Persimmon Homes would like to once again remind the general public derelict sites are dangerous places."