On Tuesday evening, around 8pm, August 19, Woolton Hall Manor on Speke Road saw a devastating fire that required the fire crew to work overnight. As a result, those who reside in the area were urged to keep their doors and windows closed.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service released an update on Wednesday (August 20): “Fire crews continued to fight the fire overnight, although having made good progress yesterday evening, resources were scaled down to four fire engines and an aerial appliance. Crews damped down the scene with main branch hoses and hose reel jets.
“The main body of fire was extinguished just before 2am this morning, and damping down and checking for hot spots continued throughout the night. Three fire engines and an aerial appliance remain at the scene.”
From what is seen in the photos after the fire, it appears the roof of the 1704 building has completely collapsed.
Latest updates on the Woolton Manor Hall fire
A 14-year-old girl was arrested by the police on Thursday, August 21, in relation to the Woolton Manor Hall fire, which is now believed to have been started deliberately, according to Det Insp Daniel McWhinnie. McWhinnie believes the actions “to have been an extremely reckless act at a historic building”.
The arrest came after reports of young people gathering outside the hall on Tuesday night.
What is more, the police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information on who else could have been involved.
Det Insp McWhinnie said: “If you are a parent or guardian in the area and your child was out that night, we ask that you enquire about their movements and what they might know.”
The investigation is ongoing and is being carried out by Merseyside Police together with MFRS.