Detectives are investigating after a Wirral charity shop was set blaze during an early morning attack.
Emergency services were called to Claire House’s charity shop in Bromborough at around 3.40am on Saturday after a passer-by saw smoke coming from a broken window.
On arrival patrols found the shop at The Rake well alight and it took several fire appliances to extinguish the fire.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have advised the police that the fire was deliberately started and detectives are now treating the incident as arson.
Although no-one was hurt in the fire, significant damage has been caused to the shop and detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Inspector Paul Parry said: “We believe this fire was deliberately started and it has caused substantial damage to the building.
“The charity which is based there will inevitably be disrupted and that is a great shame when it does so much good in the local community.
“Someone out there will know who has done this and I would urge them to do the right thing and come forward with any information they have.
“This part of Bromborough is very quiet at this time of night so anyone passing by would notice people loitering near Claire House beforehand or running away afterwards.
“If you remember seeing or hearing anything suspicious then please call the police or Crimestoppers.”
Anyone with information about the incident can call Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.