POLICE suspect arsonists may be to blame for a fire in a Worcester flat.

Thick smoke was seen billowing out of the home in Teme Road, Tolladine, just after 9pm on Tuesday, July 2.

Three fire crews using breathing apparatus were on the scene minutes later, and after making it safe, called in police officers to assess the situation.

Worcester police have confirmed they are treating the blaze as suspicious.

"I could see black smoke pouring from one of the vents in the side of a flat and from one of the windows," said one neighbour who asked not to be named.

Other residents in Teme Road said they had not realised the nearby building was on fire and were shocked when they heard the sirens coming down the street.

Det Sgt Tony Stead, of Worcester police, is appealing for anyone who has any information about how the fire started to come forward.

"I am keen to speak to anyone who thinks they may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area of the flat shortly before the fire started," he said.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01905 723888, quoting crime reference c/601054.