A LARGE fire has broken out at a hotel near Wychbold on the day it was due to open.

The fire broke out in the roof space of the Travelodge on the A38 and a Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We got a call at 10.21am to a fire at the Travelodge in Droitwich.

"It’s a fire in the roof space of a two-storey building.

"We initially fought the fire with hose reel jets and were using a thermal imaging camera.

"Two crews were using breathing apparatus.

"There are no casualties as the Travelodge has been shut because of the pandemic.

"They were literally opening it up today. Police are on the scene redirecting traffic and we’re encouraging people to avoid the area.”

Then shortly afterwards the incident had escalated.

A late update said the situation is ongoing with a total of eight appliances now on the site after the fire broke through the roof.

Droitwich Training Centre station commander Richard Young said: "The fire was in the roof space.

"The frame is still there and the fire break did exactly what it was supposed to do to stop the fire from spreading, giving our guys time to get in and put it out.

"We are watching for hot spots to make sure they're dampened down to stop it going up again."

The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

The fire service tweeted: "Building fire involving hotel at Rashwood off A38 crews and specialist appliances in attendance - please avoid area due to heavy traffic."

West Mercia Police tweeted: "Road closures are currently in place at the roundabout from the M5 northbound onto Roman Road. Diversions are in place past Ford Farm."