VOLUNTEERS at an arson-hit charity shop say "vicious" firebugs will not stop them carrying out their work.

The St Richard's Hospice shop in Mealcheapen Street was the victim of a deliberate attack in the early hours of today.

It is the second such attack in three months.

Firefighters said they arrived at the scene in "the nick of time" to prevent severe damage.

Worcester police and Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade have launched investigations.

"We're not going to let it set us back, we've got too much of an important job to do," said a charity spokeswoman.

In July, £2,000 damage was caused to the shop after a small fire in the side entrance.

Today, at 12.25am, firefighters attended the blaze in the three-storey terraced building.

"It had the potential of being quite big," said Sub Officer Gary Jay. "It was a deliberate attack on items left outside the shop for collection."

Worcester police said they were treating the incident as arson and appealed for any witnesses to contact them on 01905 723888.