A 'SEVERE fire' at the old North Worcestershire Golf Club is being investigated by police who believe it was 'started deliberately'.

A total of 20 firefighters tackled the blaze in the derelict clubhouse for two hours yesterday afternoon.

Emergency services received the first 999 call at 3.43pm on Thursday (September 28) and sent crews from Northfield, Woodgate Valley and Bournbrook to the scene off Hanging Lane.

Bromsgrove Advertiser:

Four firefighters entered the building using breathing apparatus, while three main water jets, one hose reel jet and a hydraulic platform were also used.

By 6.42pm, when the fire had finally been put out, 60 per cent of the roof space and 30 per cent of the first floor building had been destroyed.

After this, fire personnel conducted a search of the ground floor and basement area to check for any further fires.

They were still at the scene well into the evening, damping down and turning over the wreckage.

Bromsgrove Advertiser:

The site was revisited late last night, using a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "It is believed the incident was started deliberately and police have been informed."

West Midlands Police added: "It has been referred to us to investigate and is being treated as arson."

Witnesses are asked to call 101, quoting crime number 20BW/208075B/17.