AN angry resident who predicted vandals would go one step further and set fire to a former school building seems to have had his worst fears realised after a suspected arson attack.

The fire, at the former Sladen Middle School building in Kidderminster, might also be the last straw and lead to the site being completely demolished.

In last week's Shuttle/Times & News, Indian takeaway owner, Syed Ahmed, said: "The building has been targeted now and the kids are coming on a regular basis. They could set fire to the building next."

This week, Mr Ahmed, of Hurcott Road, said his legs were shaking and he was too scared to get out of bed when he heard fire engines close by, He added: "I am very angry nothing has been done. I kept shouting and shouting that this would happen but no-one listened."

Mr Ahmed demanded Worcestershire County Council "properly" secure the site to protect it from future vandalism. He added that vandals had recently smashed through the school's dining room window with a wooden bench.

Stephen Clee, Conservative Wyre Forest District Council cabinet member for planning, regeneration and prosperity, had inspected the site before the fire, saying security had been tightened.

He explained that temporary fencing around the site had been strengthened, while an external security agency was checking the former school grounds three times a day.

He had also accepted vandals could still access the site by using a public footpath to get through to the playing fields.

But he now says he is pushing for an early demolition of the site to make way for a new annexe of Kidderminster College.

He added: "The intention had been that parts of the site were worthy of retaining but in light of the vandalism going on there I'm suggesting to the county council's property services that the whole site be demolished."

He explained: "I'm very fearful because we have a duty of care to residents in the area and I am worried younger children might wander into the site and get seriously injured."

Dylan Evans, West Mercia Constabulary spokesman, said: "We are investigating the incident and whether the fire was started deliberately. If anyone has any information we urge them to come forward.

"Officers do carry out regular patrols around the school site and we urge anybody who sees anyone on the school premises when they should not be, to call the police, on 08457 444888."

The fire took place in a lean-to last Friday at 1am.

The school has been shut since the Wyre Forest Schools Review last year.