AN ARSON attack on a home in Stourport has led police to ask for help from the public to find a suspicious-looking man who was seen running away from the scene.

West Mercia Police is appealing to the Stourport-on-Severn community for information following the arson attack on a property in The Birches between 10.55pm and 11.04pm last Friday (December 11).

The victim, a man in his 30s, had left the property at around 8pm, but later that evening he received a message telling him his property was on fire.

Extensive damage was caused to the property and nobody was injured.

Prior to the incident a man was seen behaving suspiciously near to the property. He was then seen running off toward an adjoining close. The man is thought to be of a large, possible muscular build.

A car was also seen in the area, first reversing at speed up the street toward the property and then speeding off.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Natalie Vaux said: "This incident has caused a considerable amount of damage to the property but could have been much worse had there been anybody in the property.

"We are interested in speaking to anyone who witnessed the incident. We are especially keen to speak to anyone who saw a car travelling at speed in the area. I would also like to reassure the wider public that we have increased patrols in the area."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on the non-emergency number 101 and quote incident reference number 777s of Friday 11 December.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.