Continued appeal after Victorian shelter destroyed by fire in Southport

We are continuing to appeal for information after a Victorian shelter on Southport Promenade was destroyed by a fire in Southport.

The suspected arson/fire is believed to have happened just after midnight on Monday 28 July, between 12.30am to 1.15am, to a Victorian shelter on Park West near to Knowsley Road.

Enquires are being carried out and we are appealing for anyone with information to contact us.

Community Inspector Graham Fisher said: “We are working with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to understand what caused the fire, but believe it was a deliberate act of mindless vandalism.

“The Victorian shelters along the Promenade are iconic structures in Southport which should be valued. They are part of the beautiful surroundings for people to enjoy and take a rest while they walk along the area of the seafront.

“The shelters are more than 120 years old, so for one to be destroyed in such a manner is despicable.

“I ask residents and businesses in the locality to please check your CCTV and doorbell footage and contact us if they think there it has captured anyone acting suspiciously at around that time or causing fires in areas.

“If you have anti-social behaviour or criminality in your area let us know and we will take action.”

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101 quoting with reference 25000627196.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously In an emergency always call 999.