A SUSPECTED arson attack has destroyed a Stourport sports centre after an "extremely fierce" blaze spread through the building, today.

Firefighters from across Wyre Forest were called in to tackle flames at Stourport Sports Club, on Kingsway, in the early hours.

The security company which looks after the building notified the emergency services with fire appliances from Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport scrambled, at 2.50am.

More than 25 fire officers battled the fire but could do little to save the 55 metre high building after flames got into the roof.

Alec Mackie, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman, said: "The fire is believed to have started in a wheelie bin outside the premises which was storing laundry ready for collection.

"The fire spread rapidly into the roof and there was very little the crews could do to save the building - it was extremely fierce and intense."

Crews got the blaze under control after 90 minutes and police were directing people away from the wrecked building, now being treated as a crime scene.

According to Mr Mackie, police have arrested somebody in connection with the incident and fire investigation officers are working with West Mercia Constabulary to discover the exact cause of the blaze.

Nobody was injured during the fire and the nearby Stourport High School has been unaffected and is open as normal.

There will more updates and pictures about this story on our website throughout the day.