A FIRE at a home in Bromsgrove in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday) is being treated as arson, police have said.
Officers believe the blaze on the first floor of the property in Epsom Road, Catshill, was started about 2.40am when a plastic crate positioned by the front door was set alight.
And they say a substance was used to accelerate the fire.
Reports suggest a man was then seen getting into a vehicle which was waiting in the street.
The property was vacant at the time of the incident as the resident had left there the day before.
Insp Sarah Corteen, of Bromsgrove Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), said the police did not currently have a description of the man thought to be involved.
And she urged anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information to contact the police as soon as possible.
“I particularly urge the man seen nearby to contact us as he may have important information that can help us with our enquiries into the cause of this fire.”
A Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said a crew from Bromsgrove and a crew from Redditch were sent to the scene and water jets were used to extinguish the blaze.
Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
