Man arrested over multiple fires in Birkenhead
Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue were called to the scene early this morning
Last updated 17th Jun 2023
Several people have been rescued after multiple fires broke out in Birkenhead in Merseyside.
One which started in a home in the Claughton Road area spread to a number of neighbouring properties at around 4.50am this morning.
Nine other fires to skips and vehicles in the nearby area were also reported.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fires in the area. Houses around the properties were evacuated and road closures are in place in the surrounding area.
Several people have been taken to hospital with injuries caused from smoke inhalation and are in a stable condition. Two police officers were also taken to hospital after suffering dog bites to their arm and hand.
Further reports and examinations have established that the fires may have been caused deliberately at present.
A 31-year-old man from Egremont has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He has been taken to a police station in Merseyside for further questioning.
A joint investigation between Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police is ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact police.
Maureen's home is one of a number which have suffered significant damage. She's told us she was woken up by police knocking on her door, who happened to be driving by when they saw flames and smoke:
"I feel sorry for the neighbours as their windows have all gone through.
"I've got no insurance so I'm going to have to find a way of paying for all the repairs.
"The police and firefighters have also told me it's unsafe to go in so I've got nowhere to live."
Merseyside Police statement
Chief Inspector Colin Dyer said: “We are working closely with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in establishing the cause of this horrifying incident that has caused severe damage to several people’s homes and left one house destroyed in Birkenhead.
“Although we have made an arrest, I would ask anyone who lives in the area and saw or heard anything from around 4.30am onwards this morning to come forward.
“You may have doorbell footage or have been passing the houses in a vehicle which has dashcam. Please check, as this could be vital to our investigation.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information can contact Merseyside Police by DM on Twitter or Facebook with reference to 203 of Saturday 17 June.
Crimestoppers can also be contact anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.