TEENAGE arsonists are being blamed for a fire which destroyed a caravan belonging to a scout troop in Bewdley.

A group of youths aged between 12 and 14 were seen attempting to smash a window in the caravan before the blaze at around 10pm on Saturday, May 12.

The caravan, belonging to the Europa Venture Scout Unit, had been parked behind the rowing club in Bewdley for three years. It was donated to the group by St John's Ambulance Brigade as a base for canoeing.

Assistant venture scout leader Robin Dellbridge said "It provided a much needed place where people could dry off and get changed if they had got drenched. We won't let this stop our activities but it is a very great pity to have lost this facility which has been so useful to us."

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen suspicious activity around the caravan on Saturday evening to contact Kidderminster police station on 01562 820888, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.