A FIRE forced swimmers to flee the Splash leisure centre in Malvern on Sunday.

Police are investigating the cause of the blaze, in the area of the men's toilet. The automatic alarm went off at 3.21pm.

General manager Chris Barley said 65 people were using the building at the time, 59 in the pool and the rest in the gym. They were provided with space blankets and taken to Malvern Theatres to keep warm.

The Splash remained closed for the rest of the day. Mr Barley said the fire crew worked very fast and after about half-an-hour, customers were allowed back inside to get dressed and return home.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in and around the leisure centre at the time. PC Tony Charity can be reached on 08457 444888.