Investigators into the Littlewoods building fire are treating it as arson.
The former headquarters of the pools company at the Wavertree Technology Park close to Edge Lane became ablaze shortly before 8pm on Sunday.
Fire crews spent several hours tackling the inferno at the art deco building, which is feared to have lost its roof and the upper floor of one wing.
A joint invesestigation between Merseyside Police and the Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that the fire may have been started deliberately.
“The extent of damage and structural safety of the building is being assessed, and a fire investigator has established it is believed to be a case of deliberate ignition,” said a Merseyside Police spokesperson.
“A joint investigation with the fire service has been launched to establish the full circumstances, including forensic, CCTV and witness enquiries.
“Nobody was reported to have been injured in the incident.”
Any witnesses to the incident or that saw anything suspicious is asked to contact Merseyside Police’s social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or ‘Merseyside Police CC’ on Facebook.