WITNESSES to a fire that destroyed a Worcester business earlier this year are being asked to come forward.

Fifty-five firefighters tackled the fire that ripped through J Mart Warehouse on the Newtown Road trading estate at 11pm on Sunday, July 27.

Crews finally managed to bring the fire under control by 3am on Monday but spent the rest of the day on site dampening down and monitoring hotspots in the building, by which time £1million of damage had been done by the fire.

Police are now appealing for witnesses, including a man who was seen at the front of the premises at 10.55pm on the night of the fire, to come forward.

The man is described as white, aged 20 to 30 with short dark hair, around six foot tall and of a big build. He was wearing a white hooded top and blue jeans.

He walked off in the direction of Newtown Road but may have diverted into the alley that leads onto the Ronkswood Estate.

Police have confirmed that the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

If you are this man or have any information about the incident call police on 101 quoting 0004S of Monday 28 July.

Susan Rai, whose husband Dee owns the company with his brother, Jay, told your Worcester News after the fire that the family were "absolutely heartbroken".

She said: "My husband and son watched the place burn all night in their pyjamas while I was sat at home with my heart in my mouth. We've worked so hard to build this place up and we are absolutely heartbroken and devastated at what has happened. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. Every one thinks they are invincible and nothing will happen to them but it happened to us."

Mrs Rai said there are currently no plans to reopen a J Mart store in Worcester.

The brothers set up the business around 20 years ago, where they started out selling garden and home products on market stalls. They now own six other stores in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire areas.