Two teenage boys were arrested after a huge fire at abandoned warehouse sent plumes of smoke billowing across Merseyside.
Emergency services were called to the blaze on Cleveland Street, in Birkenhead, shortly before 6pm on Monday as police officers closed roads in the area.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to tackle the fire and almost a dozen fire engines remained at the scene hours after it broke out in order to bring it under control.
Images taken on nearby Corporation Road showed massive flames bursting from the warehouse which the fire service said contained a large amount of commercial waste.
Around five hours after the fire started, during which time people were advised to stay in doors, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police confirmed that two young children had been arrested in connection with the blaze.
In a statement, the force said: “We have arrested two boys in connection with a fire in Birkenhead this evening, Monday, 23 March.
“At around 5.55pm, emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a warehouse on Cleveland Street.
(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
“Following enquiries, officers arrested two 13-year-old boys from the Birkenhead area on suspicion of arson.
“They have been taken to local police stations for questioning. There are no reports of any injuries.
“Officers and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service remain at the scene and members of the public are advised to avoid the area.”
Merseyside Fire and Rescue also posted an update on the fire, describing the incident as “very challenging”.
(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Crews continue to fight fire in very challenging conditions.
“A high volume pump is being used to feed water to two aerial appliances to surround fire.
“Now 11 fire engines and two aerial appliances on scene.”
“Firefighters using hand held branch hoses to soak piles of rubbish & ensure they do not become involved in fire.
(Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)
“Residents and businesses nearby should continue to keep doors & windows shut.”
The fire also caused the evacuation of a nearby cargo company.
The fire service added: “As a precaution, Port Police have arranged evacuation of NW trading estate Corporation Rd.
“Multi-Agency meeting has taken place. Crews minimising water run off & containing it to protect environment.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref. 20000179262 or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.
