FIRE crews from Redditch and Bromsgrove have been called to a large fire at a warehouse in Worcester.

The alarm was raised shortly after 8.30am this morning at Arrow XL with police declaring the fire a major incident.

All employees have been evacuated from the building and no one was hurt.

Steve Bury is managing director of Bury Associates - and his office is next door to ArrowXL.

He first saw the fire at around 8.45am this morning, and says 40ft flames were "shooting out of the building".

He said: "We heard a bang and something flew through the air.

"I didn't expect it to spread like it has spread. It has gone over quite a large area.

"It is certainly the biggest fire I have ever seen burning at a building."

Redditch Advertiser:

Redditch Advertiser:

A fire service spokesman said around 70 firefighters had to be called to try to get the blaze under control.

They also admitted it is not yet known how the fire began.

Ian Howell, chief executive of ArrowXL said: "It is too early to say how much damage has been caused or what caused it. 

"I am pleased to report that all staff are safe and well."

"We have a contingency plan in place which we are just finalising, our top priority is our staff's safety and welfare, and our second priority is to continue serving our clients."

West Midlands Ambulance Service is still at the scene of the fire. 

A message from the service on Facebook said: "Lots of specialist equipment in use today at the scene of the #BlackpoleFire where our crews remain on scene.

"Please remember, if you live nearby, keep windows shut, remain inside your house and avoid the area where possible."

Redditch Advertiser:

A statement has been released by ArrowXL about the fire:

"There has been a major fire at the Worcester hub of ArrowXL, the UK’s leading two-man home delivery specialists.

"Fire crews are on site, and ArrowXL’s disaster recovery plan is in place.

"The 200,000 sq ft building has been evacuated and all colleagues have been accounted for and are safe and well, with the safety of our staff being our number one priority.

"Equally, plans are being finalised for our customers to move operations from Worcester to a group owned site.

"Around 150 to 200 staff are based at ArrowXL’s Worcester hub at any one time, which handles deliveries for Midlands and South West.

"ArrowXL’s Worcester hub has been operating since 1994."

Officers from West Mercia Police are at the scene where they are assisting Hereford and Worcester Fire Service with road closures.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell said:"The fire has been declared a major incident.

"Significant road closures are in place and we advise drivers to avoid the area and residents to keep their windows and doors closed."