BOSSES of a Kidderminster joinery firm have been forced to lay off their entire workforce following a blaze thought to be have been caused by arsonists.

The fire, at Wyre Forest Wood Craft's factory in Oldington Lane, destroyed £12,000 worth of stock and the company's owners feared it would be at least three or four weeks before the business could reopen.

The firm which has been trading for seven years makes conservatories and hardwood window frames. Proprietor Paul Southall at his fire damaged Wyre Forest Wood Craft factory.

Four fire appliances from Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley attended the blaze, at around 6pm on Sunday.

Firefighters had to force their way into the premises to tackle the fire, which took about three hours to bring under control.

One of the proprietors, Mark James, was alerted at 9pm and went to the scene with his business partner, Paul Southall. It was midnight before they left.

Mr Southall said they returned the following morning to assess the damage, as their seven employees were turning up for work, only to be told they would have to be laid off as a result of the fire.

"It's put us out of production for about three or four weeks," said Mr Southall, "All the electrics have gone."

He added that it was believed youngsters had started the blaze, as another, smaller fire had been lit nearby on the same day, again thought to have been started deliberately.

"It's quite devastating," said Mr Southall, who added: "It's just one of those things; there's nothing you can do.

"It looks a mess; there's water and debris everywhere."