A POPULAR indoor shopping arcade in Rubery has been hit by a second devastating fire in a matter of months.

Six fire engines rushed to the scene of a blaze at Father's Barn Market in New Road after reports of a fire in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, May 18).

The blaze was extinguished using breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and main jets, while firefighters also accessed the roof and adjacent properties to ensure it did not spread. 

It is the second time the site has been hit by a fire after a blaze caused by an electrical fault tore through the premises and forced eight businesses to close last October.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, who were assisted by two West Midlands Fire crews, is now working with West Mercia Police to determine the cause of the fire.

A spokesman for the two services added: “Police officers are currently at the scene to support this investigation and to ensure the safety of the local community and manage traffic.”

The market has struggled to get back to its feet after the initial fire in October due to a lack of pay-out from insurers, with only three businesses able to trade since.

Two of the traders, Amy’s Floral Designs and M&D Mobile Solutions, were dealt a further blow in February when burglars stole thousands of pounds worth of stock.

A third, Signpost Café, re-opened at the end of last year but its owners said it was forced to close in March due to “irrevocable damage” from the fire.

The cafe was replaced by The Rafters Cafe in April.

Posting on Facebook, the owners of Amy's Floral Designs said: "We have had another setback this morning when a fire broke out in the building in the shop adjacent to ours.

"We have been cleared by the fire crews and we can still work today. We will not be defeated."