POLICE in Alcester believe arsonists may be targeting the town after a serious, suspicious blaze at a building site which caused more than £100,000 damage.

Fire crews received reports of a fire at Minerva Mews at about 8pm on Monday, January 18, and police were notified about 45 minutes later.

Due to the size of the blaze at the Barratts site, crews from Alcester, Studley and Stratford were all called to deal with the incident.

Three portable buildings at the site were completely destroyed by the blaze and nearby houses were smoke damaged.

Firefighters raced against time to cool down the three buildings as they feared they may have contained gas cylinders.

It has not been confirmed how the fire started but police and the fire service are treating it as suspicious.

Some discarded bottles of fizzy drink were found on the ground outside and are being investigated as a possible link to the fire.

A Warwickshire police spokesman said they were also looking at a connection between the latest incident and two car fires in Arden Road during the early hours of January 11 and January 17.

Alcester sector commander Insp Tim Bailey said he was worried about an increase in unexplained fires in the town.

"I'm extremely concerned by this latest fire. Serious damage in excess of £100,000 has been caused and nearby properties were damaged by smoke.

"Someone could so easily have been injured or even worse. It is vital that anyone with information concerning this or any other fire in Alcester contacts the police."

Insp Bailey added: "Information can be passed in confidence to DS Faz Chisty of Alcester CID or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Detectives from Alcester CID and the community beat officer Pc Steve Timms are co-ordinating the investigations and Warwickshire police will be working in partnership with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and Alcester Town Council