THE fire which ripped through Worcester's Archdales 73 Club was started deliberately, according to police.

An appeal has been launched for information to find those guilty of the arson attack. Police believe offenders gained access onto the club's grounds, but it is not yet known how, and started three fires within different parts of the building.

Three fire engines from Worcester and a fourth from Droitwich attended the fire at the club, in Windermere Drive, when the fire broke out at around 9pm, on Monday.

A search of the building was carried out, as it was not known if there were people still inside the building at the time.

Police closed the road in both directions while the fire was tackled throughout the night. It was declared extinguished at 4.15am.

There was no one inside the building, nor was anyone hurt during the incident.

Secretary of the club which has been closed since March, Jason Humphries, said he had driven past it at about 8.10pm the same night, and noticed a number of youths climbing over the fence away from the building.

The building is set to be demolished within the next two weeks to make way for a new Lidl. A new clubhouse is expected to be built nearby, and is planned to be open by Christmas.

Anyone with information into the arson attack is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 642s of Monday 18th May.

Alternatively, information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org