ARSONISTS are being blamed for fires in Evesham within hours of each other and less than half a mile apart.

Firefighters were called to the first incident at the disused PJ's bar beneath Evesham Town Hall at around 1.20am on Tuesday. A window had been smashed and lighter fuel or petrol poured on to some curtains before they were set alight.

Two pumps from the town's fire station attended the blaze and firefighters used breathing apparatus to enter the smoke-logged building. A Typhoon fan was used to disperse the smoke and only minor damage was caused. Firefighters left the scene at around 2am.

A 'lone male' was seen in the High Street area around the time of the incident and police officers are keen to speak to him or anyone else with further information. The man is described as wearing black clothing, including a black hooded top.

Firefighters from Evesham and Pershore were called to the second blaze in Bewdley Street, Evesham at around 5am the same morning. A disused office building at the former Staite's Nurseries had been broken into and a fire started. Fire spokesman Alec Mackie confirmed that arson was suspected in both cases.

Evesham sub-officer Julian Jenkins said: "In the first incident someone had tried to set fire to the curtains, but fortunately it didn't spread. The second incident was quite a severe fire and totally gutted the main reception area of the building."

Police spokesman Mike Vockins said: "Someone was seen in the locality during the second incident but no description has been given. As far as I know the two incidents have not been linked, but we would like to hear from any other witnesses or members of the public who have more information."

Anyone with further information should contact the police on 08457 444888, quoting 17S/190405 for the first incident and 32S/190405 for the Bewdley Street fire.