ARSON is believed to be the cause of a blaze which caused £2,000 worth of damage to two adjoining properties.

It is believed to have been started between a shed and a wall between 6.30am and 7am on Easter Sunday, destroying the shed and its contents at the Garabaldi Inn, Bromyard Road and causing £1,000 worth of damage.

The flames also spread to an adjoining property in Knight Street, causing a further £1,000 worth of damage - this time to a wall, roofing and guttering.

"We believe this fire was started deliberately and we would like to hear from anyone who saw - or heard - anything suspicious at or near the Garabaldi Inn prior to it being discovered at approximately 0700 hours," said a police spokesman.

"While not too many people are likely to have been around that early on Easter Sunday, we are hoping that some may have been - perhaps setting off early for a day out - and can recall seeing something out of the ordinary now that their memories have been prompted."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 08457 444 888, quoting 179S/080407. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.