Police investigating a fatal fire in Worcester have confirmed they believe two separate blazes in the city are connected, including an incident at a Muslim community centre described as a suspected deliberate arson attack.
Emergency services were first called at around 6am on Thursday (26 February) to reports of a garage fire on Surman Street, off St Oswald’s Road, near The Tything. After extinguishing the flames, firefighters discovered the body of a man inside the building.
The victim has not yet been formally identified. A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Later the same morning, a second fire was reported at the Unity House Community Hub on Stanley Road — a community building next to Worcester Mosque. The owners, Worcester Muslim Welfare Association, described the incident as a “deliberate act of arson” and called for it to be investigated as a hate crime.
West Mercia Police have now confirmed they believe the two incidents are linked, although further details have not yet been disclosed.
A police spokesperson said:
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“We currently believe this fire is connected to the incident on Surman Street.”
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Lougher said a major investigation was underway following the discovery of the body.
