Joint investigation launched following suspected arson in Calderstones

Detectives are appealing for information following a suspected arson in Calderstones last night, Wednesday April 14.

We were contacted by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) dealing with a fire at the former youth club on Harthill Road, Calderstones, which they attended around 8.40pm. Damage was caused but nobody reported injured.

A joint investigation has now been launched with MFRS and enquiries are ongoing.

Merseyside Police Sergeant Ainsworth said: “Thankfully nobody was hurt in this incident, but those involved and anyone nearby were put in real danger by such reckless actions. 

“It is initially believed that entry was forced into the building and the fire deliberately started. If you saw or heard anything suspicious on Harthill Road, or captured anyone running off on home CCTV, dashcam or other devices, please come forward and we will take action.”

MFRS Station Manager Lauren Woodward, who was incident commander at the scene, said: “Initial investigations indicate that this fire was started deliberately. It was a large fire that caused severe damage to the building. Fortunately, nobody was harmed - but this kind of fire can result in serious injuries or even death. 

“Deliberately caused fires like this demand a heavy resource – a number of engines were deployed last night - and this in turn impacts on our ability to respond to other potentially life-threatening incidents or accidents. We would urge anyone with information about this incident to contact the police.”

Please contact us @MerPolCC on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, or 101 with reference 21000237837. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.