Two men have been arrested after a warehouse fire in Bootle that forced nearby homes to be evacuated. Police received a report at around 8.20pm on Tuesday (September 29) that an industrial warehouse containing the Fast Fit Garage on Fernhill Road had been set alight in a suspected arson attack.
No injuries were reported, but nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. Road closures were put in place, and Fernhill Road remains closed to vehicles and pedestrians this afternoon (September 30). Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet and a crane to extinguish the blaze.
Arrests and ongoing investigation
A Merseyside Police spokesperson said a 37-year-old man from Belle Vale was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody for questioning. A second man, a 28-year-old from Kirkby, was arrested earlier this morning on the same suspicion and is also in police custody for questioning.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) said this morning that the incident was ongoing and urged people to avoid the area. A joint investigation between MFRS and Merseyside Police is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact police. Officers will continue to be in the area to provide reassurance to the community and speak with residents about any concerns.
Appeal for information
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Hooley said: “Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident, and we are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry, but I would ask for anyone who knows anything to contact us as a matter of urgency.”
She added: “Thankfully the fire was quickly contained by MFRS to prevent it from spreading to nearby homes. However, it has greatly impacted those living close by with homes evacuated and residents in the wider community advised to keep their windows and doors closed so as not to inhale any fumes. We all know too well the devastation and fatal consequences such an incredibly dangerous act can cause.”
DCI Hooley also appealed to motorists who were in the area at the time to check their dashcam footage for anything that may assist the investigation. At the scene last night, a large crowd formed and the building appeared to be fully gutted, with smoke so thick that the portion of Fernhill Road beyond the fire was no longer visible.
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police via @MerPolCC on X and Facebook, quoting reference 26000801498, report it online, or call 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
