Schoolgirl arrested on suspicion of arson after fire at Liverpool's historic Woolton Hall

Watch drone footage of the fire courtesy of Coltman Visuals

A 14-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire at one of Liverpool's most historic buildings.

Emergency services were called to the Grade I-listed Woolton Hall after reports of the blaze, and a large group of youths had been seen in the grounds, at around 8.20pm on Tuesday 19 August.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spent all night extinguishing the flames, which has gutted the 321-year-old manor house.

A joint investigation with MFRS is ongoing to establish the cause of the fire, but from initial inquiries it is believed to be deliberate.

Police arrested the schoolgirl the following day, she was taken into custody to be questioned and has been conditionally bailed.

Fire crews worked through the night to put out the flames. Credit: Liverpool Echo

Merseyside Police's Detective Inspector Daniel McWhinnie said: “This appears to have been an extremely reckless act at a historic building that has stood at the site for hundreds of years.“We know the community will be rightly shocked by what happened and we are determined to find all those responsible.“We received reports of youths congregating near the hall shortly before the fire was reported, and we would appeal to anyone who was there or knows who was there to contact police.“If you are a parent or guardian in the area and your child was out that night, we ask that you enquire about their movements and what they might know.“If you were driving in the area of Speke Road on Tuesday evening and captured anything on dashcam that you think in hindsight may be useful to our enquiries, please get in touch.“We are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry, including speaking to potential witnesses and assessing CCTV in the area, but I would ask for anyone who knows anything to contact us as soon as possible.”

Smoke was still rising from the building in daylight. Credit: Liverpool Echo

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or on Facebook.

Information can also be reported via the police website, or calling 101 quoting incident reference 25000688649.Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website.