A FIRE which ripped through Worcester’s Archdales 73 Club on Monday evening may have been caused deliberately.

The fire broke out at the club in Windermere Drive – which has been closed since March – just before 9pm on May 18, causing severe damage to the building.

Three fire engines from Worcester and a fourth from Droitwich were called to the scene and firefighters quickly searched the building following concerns people may have been inside while police closed the road in both directions.

But it was found to be empty and the crews worked through the night to put out the flames.

Station Commander Toby Kempton from Worcester Fire Station said it was believed the fire had been started deliberately and police had launched an investigation.

"This is very frustrating because whoever started this fire has put at risk the lives of the firefighters who had to go into the building to ensure no one was in danger, which anyone can imagine is a hazardous task,” he said.

He also praised the crew for their quick actions, saying: "The teams' rapid firefighting quickly contained the blaze and prevented it spreading beyond the areas where the fires had been started."

Video by David Pickford.

The club’s secretary Jason Humphries said he had driven past the club at about 8.10pm last night and seen a group of children climbing over the fence away from the building.

“About 30 minutes later my phone lit up with calls saying the building was on fire,” he said.

“I thought about I’d go after them but maybe it’s good I didn’t.

“I can’t prove it but I think it might have been caused by kids.

“I just wish they would keep out of there. I’ve done everything I can to keep them out – I’ve been to schools to speak to teachers.

“Someone’s been in and ripped the pipes out and smashed all the windows.”

The building is due to be demolished within the next two weeks to make way for a new Lidl, with a new clubhouse to be built nearby, expected to be open by Christmas.

Mr Humphries said he was glad no one was in the building when it caught fire.

“There was nothing in the building,” he said. “It’s just an empty shell.

“And there was no one in there thank gosh.

“We have had people sleeping in there so thank God there was no one yesterday.

“It’s being demolished anyway but it’s still an absolute nightmare.

“I can’t wait until it’s knocked down to be honest, but it’s not nice for the area.

“I phoned Lidl to tell them about it and they said ‘We didn’t think Warndon was that bad’. And it isn’t normally, but this gives the impression of it being a rough area.”

Anyone with any information which may assist police in the investigation is asked to call 101.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.