POLICE say they are not ruling out arson in the case of a major house fire on the Little Marcle Road.

But investigations are still ongoing

The fire took hold of a vandalised a unoccupied house on January 15, and firefighters found that floorboards had been pulled up and ceilings had been pushed in.

This made a search of the smog-logged building, carried out by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, all the more hazardous

But firefighters still had to carry out a thorough search, in case squatters or intruders were trapped inside.

Richard Cooper, watch commander at Ledbury Station, said it was a 'nightmare call'.

Several weeks on, investigations are continuing, but a police spokesman said: "I've spoken to the officer who has told me investigations are currently ongoing and officers are keeping are open mind as to the cause of the fire. But it is believed it may have been started deliberately."

The fire took hold of bedrooms in the derelict property.

At the height of the blaze, 20 fire crew were on site and appliances from Ledbury, Malvern and Fownhope. The ladder platform vehicle from Hereford was also called in.

Intruders had been spotted in the building just days before the fire.

It was reported that five people were committing criminal damage at the property. Fencing was damaged and graffiti put on walls.

This took place on January 13, shortly after 8.10pm.

Anyone with information concerning both incidents can provide t anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org