A FIRE which began in a row of leylandii trees and spread to a caravan was suspected arson say police.

Police are now hunting for witnesses and information about the suspicious blaze at St Peter's Close, Evesham yesterday (Monday) after the emergency services received a call at 10.56pm.

Sgt Philip Stayte said: "These leylandii were close to a brand new expensive caravan which was on the drive of a bungalow.The leylandii go up like tinder. It was only through the quick actions of the public that they were able to swing the caravan out of the way. They had to swing it around on its axis.

"The whole of the back was melted away. This was a significant blaze which aroused the suspicions of neighbours. It appears the seat of the fire was the leylandii adjacent to the drive. It is suspected arson."

Investigations are underway and police are particularly keen to hear about anyone behaving suspiciously before or around the time of the fire or any vehicles seen driving in or out of the close. Fire investigators and scenes of crime officers have already attended but police are keen for any information the public may be able to provide about the blaze in the cul-de-sac to aid them.

Those with information should contact PC 290 Bruce Powell, the officer in the case, on the police non-emergency number 101, quoting the crime reference number 22CE/22516Y14.