A BLAZE which ripped through a derelict hotel in Alveley, near Kidderminster, has caused millions of pounds of damage.

West Mercia Police are now appealing for witnesses following the fire at the Mill Hotel, which started at around 5am on Monday morning (May 18).

Police have said the cause of the fire, which is thought to have caused millions of pounds worth of damage to the hotel which closed its doors in October, has not yet been confirmed.

Emergency services received several reports that the hotel was on fire just after 5am and smoke was visible from more than a mile away.

Firefighters from Hereford and Worcester, Shropshire and the West Midlands were in attendance.

A spokesman from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews from Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Stourport and Bewdley were all assisting Shropshire Fire and Rescue with a fire at a derelict three storey hotel in Alveley, near Kidderminster.

"Police and ambulance were also in attendance."

It is not believed that anyone was injured or even in the building during the incident, but searches are still being conducted throughout the building.

Parts of the building are said to have collapsed and the roof has been reduced to a few charred beams.

Police are eager to establish the circumstances of the fire and are urging anyone with information to come forward, as well as anyone who knows somebody who frequents the building.

If you saw any suspicious activity in the area at the time, contact police on 101, quoting incident reference number 37S of Monday, May 18.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.