AN outbuilding at the rear of the Falcon Hotel, in Bromyard, was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Monday.

Firefighters from Bromyard were called to the scene at around 1.20am, and found the building, which is used to store wood and plastic items, was well ablaze.

Bromyard fire crew manager, Simon Halling, said: "When we got there, the fire was well under way, it destroyed two wheelie bins, and was spreading fast. Two pumps were there, and we spent about two hours making sure it was out properly."

He said arson was suspected, and police had been called in to investigate the matter.

Sylvia Silver, of the Falcon, said: "It could have been a lot worse, but I think this was a malicious act of arson."

Anyone with information about the incident can call PC John Meek at Bromyard police station on 08457 444888, quoting incident number 51S/210507.