A DERELICT cinema in Worcester, targeted in a suspected arson attack, should be demolished or revamped before someone is killed, say neighbouring residents.

More than 50 firefighters were called to a fire at the former St John's cinema, at 5am on Saturday.

Alec Mackie, spokesman for the Hereford and Worcester Fire Service, said the blaze had been particularly dangerous to tackle.

"It was a very difficult job as it was black inside, with heavy black smoke and unsafe structures," he said.

Collapsed

"A staircase collapsed where the firefighters were, but luckily no one was on the stairs or under them at the time."

He believes arsonists broke into the building via a flat roof on the second floor and then started the fire on the staircase.

Initially there were fears that people may have been trapped inside and an ambulance crew was on standby while a police van blocked off the road from the Bull Ring.

At around 6.30am, crews at the scene reported the fire extinguished and no one was hurt or inside the building.

Fire investigators and scenes of crime officers are still carrying out investigations, added Mr Mackie.

The Malvern Road cinema, which later became Zig Zag nightclub, has suffered fires in the past, and has been empty in recent years.

Shoppers and nearby residents questioned by the Evening News just hours after Saturday's blaze were unanimous in condemning the city eyesore.

Eileen Thomas, of Bransford Road, is sick of the building spoiling the area and wants the problem tackled.

"Every week we see a fresh lick of paint has been put on its front door because of the graffiti and swear words just scrawled all over it," she said

"It just needs to be demolished to remove the problem once and for all before someone is hurt."

Electrician Brian Taylor, from Rushwick, could not believe how long the building had been allowed to be stood empty.

"It's been like it for years. I know anything to do with planning can take a long time, but with all this fire damage it is just becoming ridiculous to keep it like it is," he said.

When the Evening News went to press, Worcester City Council was unavailable for comment on who owns the building and what was being done about the situation.

What are your views on the former cinema in St John's?

It has been derelict for years and really needs sorting out. It could do with being demolished." - Brian Taylor, an electrician from Rushwick.

I'd like to see it turned into a youth centre ideally, but if that's not possible it should be knocked down and replaced by flats." - Ann Price, aged 40, a purchase ledger clerk from Malvern Road.

It has been terrible for years. It spoils the look of the rest of the St John's shopping area." - Brenda Ellis, retired, of Bransford Road.

There is always graffiti on its doors and this is always having to be painted over. It needs to be tackled before someone is hurt." - Eileen Thomas, retired, of Bransford Road.

"I'd like to see it turned into something like a youth club. It would be good for the kids and would improve the look of the area." - Darren Sheppard of Bransford Road.