Teenager arrested on suspicion of two arsons in Calderstones, Allerton

Detectives have arrested a teenager following two suspected arsons in Calderstones, Allerton.

The first incident occurred at a model railway on Sunday, 2 May. At around 7.55pm Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) alerted police to a fire at an address on Harthill Road, Allerton, headquarters of Merseyside Live Steam and Model Engineers. MFRS extinguished the fire and buildings including the clubhouse were damaged.

The second incident occurred at Beechley Stables on Harthill Road at around 3.25pm on Monday, 3 May. MFRS extinguished the fire and a building was damaged. 

No injuries were reported in either incident.

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of arson with intent to endanger life, and released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

Community Policing Inspector Neil Birkett said: “A joint investigation is ongoing in relation to both incidents and, despite this arrest, we’re still appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. 

“These incidents caused a lot of distress locally as well as unnecessary risk and demand on our busy emergency services, and we’ll continue to take action.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter, 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, call 101 or the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously, on 0800 555 111, quoting references 21000281490 (model railway) and 21000282929 (Beechley Stables).