RUSH-HOUR traffic in Worcester was thrown into chaos after fire broke out in an old factory before a nearby car burst into flames.

Pheasant Street, Tallow Hill, was closed in both directions as 20 firefighters fought flames at the huge building.

Around 30 minutes later, eyewitnesses saw a gang of youths run from a blazing car next to the nearby Beehive pub, prompting the need for more firefighters.

The blaze in the old Heenan Marley Cooling Towers factory broke out shortly after 4pm, prompting 14 calls to the fire brigade from members of the public.

Firefighters doused the inside of the building as well as tackling flames from above.

Sub Fire Officer Julian Jenkins, of Green Watch, said hypodermic needles, mattresses and other signs of habitation were found inside.

He said it was clear the graffiti-covered interior had been used by homeless people and that the fire may have been started accidentally.

But after learning of the second fire nearby, Mr Jenkins said it was "highly possible" that the two were linked arson attacks.

"Dossers have got in there because we have found hypodermics, bedding and other stuff. Someone may have set fire to their bedding accidentally, but it may have been done maliciously."

Two witnesses described how they were walking near St Paul's Youth Hostel when they saw a gang of around four boys and two girls, aged between 14 and 16, run out from behind the Beehive pub moments after a blue Volvo was torched.

A fire crew from Droitwich extinguished the flames, which completely gutted the vehicle.

A spokeswoman for Worcester police said the fires had not been linked and were not being treated as arson, but officers were "keeping an open mind".