Appeal following report of arson in Kirkby

We are appealing for information following a report of arson in Kirkby last night, Monday 16 October.

At around 8.15pm it was reported that a youth had fired a firework towards the twelfth floor balcony of a block of flats on Roughwood Road which sparked some rubbish to be set alight.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire. 

The building was evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

A joint investigation between Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police is ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact police. 

Community Inspector Andy Robinson said: “This was a totally reckless thing to do and is wholly unacceptable where the lives of residents were put in serious danger. Thankfully no one was hurt from this mindless act which could have ended in a fatality.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity at around that time and witnessed the incident or has information then please get in touch.”

Inspector Robinson added: “I would like to remind everyone that it is a criminal offence and it is also illegal for those under the age of 18 to buy, carry, or use fireworks, and it is also illegal to let off or throw a firework in a public place.

“Anyone involved in criminal behaviour could be arrested and receive a fine, a criminal record or even jail time. If your child is under 16 then you will be liable for payment of any such fine.

“I would urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause mindless acts.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information can contact us by DM via our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 23001017725. 

You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.