A POLICE investigation has been launched after a fire was started near to a supermarket and a gym which are undergoing refurbishment.

Emergency services attended the blaze on Boundary Road last night, Thursday, at around 11pm.

The fire was near the former Xercise4Less gym premises, which has been set for a rebrand as JD Gyms, and Farmfoods. 

Officers are appealing for information and say no-one was injured in the blaze, which was extinguished by firefighters.

They added the extent of the damage caused by the fire is "unknown at this stage".

The gym, and the adjacent Farmfoods have been closed in recent weeks for a refurbishment. 

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A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "We are appealing for information following a suspicious fire to the side of a building in St Helens yesterday evening, Thursday, November 24.

"At around 11.10pm it was reported that there was a fire on the outside of empty premises on Boundary Road.

"Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported. 

"The extent of the damage caused is unknown at this stage.

"CCTV and witness inquiries are being carried out, and anyone with any information is asked to contact police. 

"Anyone in the area with information, CCTV or dashcam can contact us on 101 or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 22000866812.

"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."