A LARGE fire which took hold of a hedge in a Malvern park may have been started deliberately.

The fire completely destroyed the 25ft long, 10ft tall hedge and damaged an adjacent bowling green in Victoria Park.

Firefighters were forced to break-in via gates at Malvern Victoria Bowling Club to put out the fire.

Two fire crews from Malvern went to the park, in Spring Lane, at around 12.30pm today while police were called to Victoria Park Road, shortly before 1pm.

No injuries were reported.

A police spokesman said, while officers are keeping an open mind about the cause of the fire, it is believed it may have been started deliberately.

And Malvern Cops tweeted this evening that they are assisting with an arson investigation after the fire at the park.

The bowling green was damaged with scorch marks, while plastic edging had melted and large amounts of ash fell on the green.

Club member Malcolm Smith said the fire would put back the club's plans to attract new members and spruce up the clubhouse.

Mr Smith, who is also greenkeeper for Malvern Victoria Bowling Club, said people were at or near the club until noon but did not see how the fire started.

He said: "It must have happened really quickly and got hold.

"Part of the green is scorched by fire.

"It has put us back because we were trying to raise some money to get a building project going at our clubhouse.

"That's put back on hold now because we may have to get part of the green re-done.

"We were hoping to open the green on April 21 for newcomers but we will have to get some advice on how the green will need to be managed."

Mr Smith said he had heard there were people with lighters seen near the area and police officers who attended had spoken to witnesses.

He added: "It's unfortunate that Malvern Victoria Bowling Club is in the middle of the park where youngsters congregate."

Mr Smith said the club had been forced to replace the locks on gates, which were broken when firefighters needed to get access.

He added the club was looking for new members and would welcome any help anyone could offer.

Police officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident number 285S of April 11 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.