Ten children escape arson attack on derelict gym

Police said it was "fortunate" the children got out of the building unharmed

Ten children escaped from an arson attack at a derelict gym building on Merseyside.

The fire broke out shortly after 20:00 BST on Saturday on the Scott Clinic site on Rainhill Road in Rainhill.

Police found the children, aged 12-13, had managed to get out safely and did not need medical attention.

Firefighters spent 12 hours dealing with the blaze, which they found to have been deliberate and caused "significant damage".

'Fortunate they escaped'

Det Insp, Tony Meakins, said: "The investigation is still in its early stages and it is fortunate that the children, who were inside the building when the fire took hold, managed to escape with no injuries.

"The incident is being treated as arson and enquiries are underway to establish how the fire was started and who was responsible.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have information in relation to the incident to contact us."

Rainhill Road at the junction with Nutgrove Road has been closed and motorists are advised to avoid the area, with the closure likely to be in place for several hours.