Firefighters say fire at derelict hospital site was deliberate

Arsonists targeted a derelict hospital site on Merseyside over the weekend, firefighters have said.

Crews were called to the former Whiston Hospital site in Prescot at around 6.30pm on Saturday. On arrival, they found a large fire involving a pile of wood and other materials.

The fire was eventually extinguished, but not before causing extensive damage to the site.

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were called to a fire at the former Whiston Hospital site in Prescot at around 6.30pm on Saturday.

"On arrival, crews found a large fire involving a pile of wood and other materials. The fire was eventually extinguished, but not before causing extensive damage to the site.

"We are treating the fire as deliberate and are working with the police to investigate the incident."

No injuries were reported in the fire.

The former Whiston Hospital site has been vacant for a number of years and has been the target of vandalism and arson attacks in the past.

Local residents have expressed concern about the safety of the site and have called for it to be secured.

A spokesperson for NHS Property Services, which owns the site, said: "We are aware of the fire at the former Whiston Hospital site and are working with the fire service to investigate the incident.

"The site has been vacant for a number of years and we have been working to secure it and prevent unauthorised access.

"We are committed to working with the local community to find a long-term solution for the site."