PHOTOSGRAPHS have been shared of the devastating fire which gutted a derelict building in Kidderminster over the weekend. 

The fire, which started at a former timber yard, destroyed the derelict building on Park Lane. 

It is believed to have started at around 11.30am on Saturday (September 7) with shopper Sheri Mathers describing the "huge flames" that were visible in the distance from Weavers Wharf. 

She said: "We were in the café at M&S just as you started to see smoke coming out in the distance … within 10mins the fire was at its peak and huge flames were visible."

Another eyewitness Maria Bull said: "I was on the roof of St Mary's church tower giving heritage day tours when I noticed smoke rising from the derelict building."

Scores of firefighters from Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Stourbridge and Haden Cross fought the flames using and aerial platform and pumping water from the nearby canal.

By 7pm the response had been "scaled down to 2 pumps continuing to dampen down hotspots."

Residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed with motorists and the public advised to avoid the area.

Firefighters remained at the scene throughout Sunday (September 8) to check for potential hotspots with an investigation now underway. 

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire Service said: "The investigation into the cause is ongoing with firefighters collecting evidence as they go along and police assisting." 

People have been sharing photos from the scene of the fire, and others showing the aftermath of the fire. 

The Environment Agency has been checking for the risk of contaminated firewater reaching the canal.

They said: "The canal is teeming with fish and fortunately the firewater had no impact on the canal."

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.