SEVENTEEN people were evacuated from a set of Kidderminster flats after an arson attack which caused major damage to a first floor property.

The residents of the four-storey block in Windsor Drive were removed while firefighters tackled the blaze shortly before 2am on Saturday.

Two crews from Kidderminster and one each from Stourport and Bewdley attended the blaze. A brigade spokesman said the inferno, described as "extremely severe", had destroyed the living room of the first floor flat and damaged the exterior of the floor above.

A man who was assisting Kidderminster Police with their enquiries has been released on bail. Witnesses should call police on 01562 820888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.