FIRE at a Worcester school was started deliberately, police believe.

A blaze broke out at Regency High School, in Carnforth Drive, Warndon, shortly before 8.50pm yesterday. The fire itself was small - less than one metre square - and no-one was hurt, but thick black smoke could be seen billowing out of a three-storey building.

Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to search the heavily smoke-logged building, which is only partially-built and not yet being used by schoolchildren.

The fire, on the ground floor, was quickly extinguished.

Police are now investigating the incident, which is being treated as suspected arson. No arrests have been made.

A West Mercia spokesman said: “We got a call at 8.46pm reporting smoke coming from a building in the school grounds.”

Anyone with information about the fire is urged to call police on 0300 3333000, quoting reference 750-s-310309. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.