THIS was the scene as a car became engulfed in flames in Worcester.

The car, which appeared to be a Ford Ranger, caught fire on Barbourne Road yesterday (October 14) evening outside a retirement home. 

The flames quickly engulfed the car which contained cleaning chemicals such as acid and bleach according to the owner. 

This morning, the remnants of the blaze still remained with a section of blackened sidewalk cordoned of by the remains of an overhanging tree.

One witness who lives across the street on St Georges Square said: "It's quite surprising because it happened so fast. 

"I first heard the fire engine, I looked outside where it had stopped and there was a car on fire. 

"I couldn't really get that close but it could have been a lot worse. 

"I was lucky as I was home but many of the neighbours were stuck in traffic whilst they dealt with it. 

"I don't think anyone was injured but a lot of people were stood around watching from a distance. 

"I guess we are lucky firefighters got here when they did and that it didn't spread to the tree."

Police attended the scene to help with road closures and do not believe the incident was arson.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "We were called to Barbourne Road in Worcester yesterday evening (14 October) at around 6.10pm following a report of a vehicle fire.

"Officers attended to assist with road closures, along with the fire service.

"We don’t believe the fire was started deliberately and this is not being treated as arson.

"No injuries were reported."

Firefighters were at the scene for about 90 minutes and were warned that the vehicle contained cleaning chemicals. 

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "One crew from Droitwich Fire Station was called at 6.06pm on October 14 to a small vehicle on fire in Barbourne Road.

"Upon arrival the crew found a car was well alight.

"The fire was fought by two firefighters using breathing apparatus and a hose-reel jet.

"The owner of the car did call us to warn that cleaning chemicals were in the car, bleach and acid."

A spokesmanfor Francis Court retirement housing, who owns the tree which caught fire thanked the fire service for their swift response and said: "The safety of our customers is our number one priority.

"Following the incident, where there was limited damage and which the local emergency services swiftly resolved, our operational teams today visited the site to offer their support and reassurance to our homeowners.

"Now that the situation is under control, we will work with our partners to ensure any impact to the development is appropriately reviewed and managed.”