Police have started an arson investigation after a fire was deliberately started at a medical centre.
Emergency services were called to Roby Medical Centre, in Huyton, in the early hours of Thursday, February 24.
At the scene fire crews found the ground floor well alight and multiple windows smashed.
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Police and forensic officers were stationed outside the building for most of yesterday while evidence was gathered.
Detectives said it was clear that a deliberate attack had been launched on the practice and they appealed for information from anyone witnesses.
In January this year, the practice announced the start of two new partners, Dr Amir and Erika Howell, after Dr Shah left that month.
A spokesperson for the Knowsley NHS Clinical Commissioning Group said they are working with the practice to get services back up and running as soon as possible.
They said: "Roby Medical Centre, Huyton, is temporarily closed due to an incident that took place during the evening of 23rd February 2022.
"At this stage the police are still investigating the matter and therefore the practice is not able to provide further information about the incident.
"Patients have been informed and advised what to do if they need support today.
"The practice is working to get phone lines open as soon as possible and updates will be provided via the practice website and patient messaging service.
"Patients who need immediate support should call NHS 111 or visit the local Walk in Centre in Huyton to seek medical attention.
"The practice, supported by Knowsley CCG, is working hard to restore services, which may require the temporary relocation of services in the next few days."
Managing partner Erika Howell has published an update on the practice's website.
She said that staff will work remotely to answer calls and provide administration support while the practice remains closed.
Those who need to request repeat medication are being asked to call the practice on 0151 449 1972.
In a statmenet about appointment , Erika posted: "We will be providing appointments in the form of telephone consultations and e-consults. If the Doctor or Nurse needs to see you they will provide your consultation from the temporary premises and full details and the location of the appointment will be given to you by the clinician.
"If you have an appointment booked next week please do not contact the practice regarding your appointment, a member of the administration team will contact you and provide further details and instructions.
"If your appointment was cancelled or rearranged please do not contact the practice administration team as they are currently working through the cancellation list and will contact you to discuss rebooking your appointment for next week.
"The practice team would like to thank you for your thoughts and good wishes as they have been of great comfort to us at this difficult time. We continue to ask for your patience and understanding during this period as we are working hard to provide a service to our patients."
