A FIRE which caused extensive damage to a bedroom in an empty house is being treated as arson.

Evesham firefighters were called to the house in Deacle Place at about 4.50am on Tuesday after they received reports of a blaze in a first floor bedroom and people being trapped in the building.

Firefighters assisted by a crew from Broadway, used six breathing apparatus and two hose reels to extinguish the blaze while a typhoon fan was used to clear smoke from the Evesham and Pershore Housing Association property.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade spokesman Alec Mackie said: "It was reported that people were in the building, but officers made a thorough search and no-one was found in the house.

"We subsequently discovered that the property was empty and had been since the previous owner died a few months ago."

Inspector Andy Smith of Worcester Division confirmed the fire was being treated as suspicious and appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Evesham and Pershore Housing Association spokesman Rebecca Bailey said the house would now be boarded up.