Huge blaze in Kidderminster wrecks shops

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhXP_crVQwg

A huge blaze swept through a family-run furniture store and charity shop in a Midlands town, with flames reaching up to 80ft at the height of the fire.

Up to 50 firefighters tackled the blaze as it took hold of Levines and the British Heart Foundation store in Market Street, Kidderminster.

Shops and streets were evacuated as the town centre was brought to a standstill.

The Midlands-based family furniture business and the charity shop were gutted in the blaze yesterday afternoon.

Twisted metal and charred debris was all that was left of building today.

Two fire crews remained at the scene today with road closures enforced around New Road and Market Street. Nearby Kidderminster College was also closed this morning as it sits within a corden in place.

Staff at neighbouring food store Iceland had to run for cover as the roof of the two stores caved in minutes after the flames took hold at around 1pm.

Video shot by sixteen-year-old Cameron Banfield.