POLICE have confirmed that a fire at a disused school site is a suspected arson attack.

The Star reported after fire crews rushed to the former Penkford School, on Wharf Road, Newton-le-Willows, in the early evening on Tuesday, September 3, at around 6pm.

The fire was in the school hall area of the building and crews extinguished the flames.

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Firefighters spent more than two hours at the scene and police were also in attendance. 

Police have confirmed that the fire is suspected to have been started deliberately.

Officers have issued an appeal for witnesses.

Fire crews on Wharf Road on TuesdayFire crews on Wharf Road on Tuesday (Image: Szymon Pankanin)

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We are appealing for information following a suspected arson at an unoccupied school in Newton-le-Willows yesterday, Tuesday, September 3.

"At around 5.45pm, MFRS and officers were called to the site of former school Penkford School on Wharf Road, which is in the process of being demolished.

"A small fire was started inside, which was extinguished by MFRS, with damage caused.

"Inquiries are ongoing and any witnesses are asked to contact @MerpolCC or 101 with reference 24000762443."

Plans to demolish the disused Penkford School buildings were submitted earlier this summer.

The former school site has stood empty since Penkford relocated to the site of the former Red Bank Education Unit in 2022, under its new name Willow Bank.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of St Helens. Please get in touch at simon.mulligan@newsquest.co.uk