Residents feared flat was ‘blown up’ in Ainsdale arson

A huge emergency services presence descended on Ainsdale last night after a suspected arson attack at Sandbrook Way.

Comments posted online from nearby residents alleged that criminals had “tried to blow [the] flat up.”

One woman was taken to hospital as a precaution but no series injuries were reported.

Eyewitnesses told OTS News that a woman in distress had emerged from Sandbrook Way and called for assistance at a nearby house on Liverpool Road.

Police are now appealing for information from the public.

Officers remained on Sandbrook Way into the night and a significant police presence remains in the area today conducting forensic investigations.

Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that emergency services were in Ainsdale following a suspected arson last night, Monday 24 May.

“At around 10pm, emergency services were called to Sandbrook Way to reports of a fire at a flat, which was extinguished. Nobody was injured.

“A woman was taken to hospital as a precaution and for assessment.

“The incident is being treated as a suspected arson, and a joint investigation is underway with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS).

“Witness and forensic enquires are ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact us via @MerpolCC or 101 with reference 21000334286.”

North West Ambulance Service said: “We attended to an incident at a private address on Sandbrook Way following a 999 call at 21.58. We sent an ambulance, a response vehicle and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) to the scene”