POLICE were today due to re-interview a man in connection with a fire which completely destroyed a home near Stourport-on-Severn.

More than 50 firefighters fought the blaze, which reached temperatures of more than 1,000C, as it tore through Uplands Farm, Hillary Road, in the early hours yesterday.

The heat was so intense it turned mortar into white dust and caused steel joists to swell.

Police, fearing owner Michael Pitt, his wife Breeda and their four children were inside the house, raced to neighbouring properties trying to confirm their whereabouts.

The house was empty, but was completely ravaged by fire.

Fire investigators and police forensic officers were today combing the wreckage to find the cause in a search likely to last up to three days.

The investigation is complicated by the remains of four 30ft chimneys which could collapse.

The drama began at midnight on Saturday when a security guard patrolling the perimeter fence of the Royal Ordnance base in Summerfield, yards from the house, saw the blaze.

He raised the alarm, prompting the arrival of fire crews from stations all over Worcestershire.

Floodlights were set up round the house while a turntable ladder was used to help fire crews douse the flames and prevent any risk of masonry collapsing onto firefighters.

Police launched the West Mercia force helicopter to sweep the area, while officers carried out door-to-door inquiries.

"You could hear sirens, you could smell smoke, there was light sweeping around - it was like World War Two," said one neighbour, who asked not be named.

"I don't know why no one was at home, but they were so lucky not to have been there."

Worcester fire brigade station commander Pete Baker said officers originally feared the occupants were trapped inside the inferno.

"It was a big relief to be told they weren't," he added.

"We're talking temperatures of more than 1,000C. The mortar on the bricks has turned into powder, it was so hot."

It was not clear where Mr Pitt and his family were at the time of the fire or what arrangements they had made for accommodation.

A 49-year-old man was yesterday arrested and released on bail to return to Kidderminster police station today.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 01562 820888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.