REDDITCH police and and Hereford and Worcester Fire Service have launched an investigation after a fire at a block of bungalows in the town this morning, (August 23).

The fire, which started at just before 3am, is currently being treated as suspicious and police and the fire brigade are appealing for witnesses.

It is believed that the fire started at the rear of the properties on Johnson Close before spreading and causing fire damage to three terraced bungalows with the fire spreading through the voids in the roof space.

Smoke damage was caused to several other buildings.

Five elderly people were treated at the scene but did not require hospital treatment. Following the incident, four people have been re-housed in alternative accommodation or with family members.

Detective Sergeant Nick Husbands, from West Mercia Police, said: “Fortunately there were no serious injuries as a result of this fire but it could have been different if it wasn’t for the prompt actions of our colleagues in the fire brigade.

“At the moment we are treating this incident as suspicious and we will work closely with the fire service to establish the exact cause of the fire.

"Following this incident we will be increasing patrols in the area.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have information that will help with this investigation.”

Phil Griffiths, from Hereford and Worcester Fire Service, added: “Our communities are very safe places and fortunately fires as serious as this are very rare.

"However, when we do have incidents like thi,s it is important that they are thoroughly investigated.

"It is also an opportunity for us to work with local residents to raise awareness of fire safety and this is something our officers will be doing in the coming days.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 0098s of Saturday August 23.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.