FIREFIGHTERS believe schoolchildren could be behind a fire which engulfed conifer trees and spread to a shed and the wall of a Worcester house.

Two fire engines from Worcester were called to the scene of the incident in the garden of a house in Addison Road, Barbourne.

Sub-officer Gary Jay, of white watch, which attended the fire, said arson had not been ruled out.

"The gentleman who lived in the house said he noticed schoolchildren walking past and then realised there was fire in his garden," he said.

"Police are investigating, but in a situation like this it looks like the fire could have destroyed any evidence."

The fire broke out at the end semi-detached house at around 4pm yesterday, and gutted the shed, as well as causing damage to the exterior of the right-hand side wall of the house. Nobody was hurt or injured in the incident.

The crew used three hose reels and breathing apparatus to put out the blaze, which was distinguished by around 4.30pm.