Fire at Haydock Catholic Club was 'started deliberately'

Firefighters spent more than three hours on Friday evening (January 15) from around 5.30pm at the scene of the blaze that ripped through the former social club.

The blaze took hold at the derelict Haydock Catholic Club on Church Road.

Dramatic pictures shared by residents showed flames and smoke coming from the building.

Fire crews at the scene

At one point, six fire engines were on the scene at the one-storey club site, which is about 50 metres by 40 metres.

Four firefighters entered the burning building wearing breathing equipment to search for any possible casualties and battle the fire from inside.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the suspected arson at the derelict building.

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Detective Inspector Leanne Hobin said: "At this stage we believe this fire was started deliberately, although thankfully nobody in the vicinity was hurt. We're keen to hear from anyone who has seen anything suspicious at the location recently, or saw the incident itself.

"Your footage, descriptions or other information could be vital in finding those responsible, so come forward and we'll do the rest."

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed on Friday night that no one was injured in the fire.

A statement said: “The fire has been fully extinguished, the area has been fully damped down, hotspots dealt with and the building ventilated.

“Fire crews have left the scene, firefighting ceased at 8.32pm with all persons accounted for, no casualties.”

A planning application to demolish a former club and build 10 homes in its place had been granted permission by the council in 2020.

• Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter, 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, with reference 21000031242.