A ROW of conifers was destroyed after being set on fire at the back of a house in Kidderminster.

The 25ft row of Leyland Cypress trees was destroyed in the blaze at the rear of a property in Morillon Court at about 5.45pm on Thursday.

It was put out by firefighters.

The trees were screening off the property from open ground at the back and PC Lee Wycherley said the blaze was being investigated as arson.

He said: "Groups of youths have been known to hang about on the wasteland there and many take their bikes there as there are ramps in the field.

"A lot of people from the Spennells estate also take their dogs out walking on the field and I would appeal to anyone there who saw someone hanging around at the time and can give us a description to come forward and get in touch."

Witnesses or anyone with information that could help the investigation should call PC Wycherley on 08457 444888 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously and free, on 0800 555111.