Kirkby flats evacuated after firework sparks blaze

Beech Rise in Kirkby had to be evacuated while fire crews dealt with the blaze

Police have condemned the "mindless" actions of a suspected arsonist who shot a firework onto a flat balcony sparking a 12th floor blaze.

It happened at a block of flats on Roughwood Road in Kirkby, Merseyside, at around 20:15 on Monday.

Residents were evacuated while fire crews brought the blaze under control.

Merseyside Police said the move placed the lives of residents "in serious danger" and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Insp Andy Robinson said: "This was a totally reckless thing to do and is wholly unacceptable where the lives of residents were put in serious danger.

"Thankfully no one was hurt from this mindless act which could have ended in a fatality."

Police suspect the offender to be a young person and Insp Robinson said he wanted to remind people it was a criminal offence for people under 18 to buy, carry, or use fireworks, and is also illegal to let off or throw a firework in a public place.

He added: "I would urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause mindless acts."