Police investigating Wirral marshland fire as arson
It is suspected to have been started deliberately
Last updated 20th Mar 2022
A suspected deliberately started fire which raged on marshland "devastated" parts of a nature reserve, according to conservationists.
Police have confirmed they're investigating a large fire on marshland in Neston as arson, and are try to trace a group of teenagers.
The fire started shortly before 7pm on Saturday 19 March at Parkgate.
Officers have been going house-to-house and are reviewing CCTV footage, and have appealed to the public for information.
A statement from Cheshire Police said: "Officers are particularly keen to speak to a group of teenagers who were seen in the area at around 6.20pm and may have information that could help with their investigation."
The three boys and one girl are believed to be between the ages of 14 and 15, and went in the direction of Moorside Lane.
An RSPB spokesperson said: "We're shocked and saddened by the fire that has devastated the Neston Reedbed part of our reserve yesterday evening.
"The reserve is home to a vast array of significant wildlife, including bearded tits, Cetti's warblers and bittern. Marsh harriers were also beginning to build their nests on the marshland which has sadly been lost to fire.
"The full extent of the damage is currently being assessed, and we'll share further details once more information emerges. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the emergency services for all they've done so far in helping to tackle and investigate the fire."
Inspector Paul Fegan, of Ellesmere Port local policing unit, said: “The scale of the fire has understandably shocked and upset our local community and residents can expect to see officers patrolling the area to provide reassurance.
“We’re doing everything possible to find those responsible and are currently following numerous lines of enquiry.
“As part of our investigation I am keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area shortly before the fire started and saw a group of youths matching the description.
“I also want to hear from anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist us in piecing together how the fire started.”