A NASTY fire, which was possibly the work of an arsonist, left a woman in her 70s seriously injured.

The blaze broke out around 12.55am on Sunday morning at the woman’s home in Ploughmans Rise, Droitwich.

The lady awoke to her smoke alarm and when she walked into her kitchen, she noticed flames and smoke and saw her wheelie bins outside her window were alight.

The whole front of her home was set alight, burning wood cladding and melting a UPVC window.

The fire service attended and put out the fire, but it caused substantial damage; detectives are now investigating it as arson with intent to endanger life.
Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident.

A man was arrested later on Sunday and, after being questioned, was released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Sergeant Peter Sherwood, who is investigating the fire, said: “Thankfully, the victim’s smoke alarm was working and it may have saved her life.

“This was a nasty fire that could have had far worse repercussions and we are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

“If anyone saw or heard anything suspicious in the area of Ploughmans Rise between midnight and 1am on Sunday, please contact us straight away.”

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 or anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote the reference number 40s 01/09/13.