ARSONISTS are believed to be behind a fire that caused a narrowboat to sink in the canal in Kidderminster on Monday.

Firefighters from Kidderminster, Stourport and Worcester were called out to a stretch of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, opposite Round Hill Wharf, at around 4am and found the boat "well alight".

Officers from the Environment Agency and British Waterways also attended the scene due to concerns about diesel polluting the water.

Workers used inflatable tubes, called booms, which act as a barrier to prevent any escaping fuel from spreading, and absorbent pads.

Police spokeswoman, Lynne Masters, said the fire was being treated as arson and investigations were continuing.

Witnesses are asked to contact Kidderminster Police Station on 08457 444888.