A PHONE box blast in Bewdley could have been caused by thieves using a powerful firework to get to the cash box, police believe.

They think the firework was taped to the telephone before it caused extensive damage when it went off at about 7pm on Monday.

All the windows were blown out of the box in Long Bank, which was cordoned off after the blast. Road diversions were set up around the area.

"Witnesses have reported seeing a blue car pull up to the telephone box several times and drive off," a police spokesman said.

"Shortly after the last occasion, there was an explosion and the windows blew out."

A smaller explosion was heard the night before and police thought it might have been an earlier attempt to steal the cash box.

Anyone with information can call Kidderminster police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.