A "suspicious" fire broke out on an industrial unit where a new JD Gyms is due to open.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue were called to Boundary Road in St Helens on Thursday, November 24. Fire crews were alerted at 9.48pm to the incident and on scene at 9.53pm.
Two fire engines attended and when firefighters arrived they found a fire at a single storey industrial unit under renovation. It is understood the industrial unit is being renovated into a new JD Gyms.
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Merseyside Police said they are treating the fire as "suspicious" and the extent of damage is unknown at this point. No injuries wwee reported.
The new gym was undergoing renovation, along with the adjacent Farmfoods supermarket which was also underdoing a refurbishment. It is understood Farmfoods is still set to reopen on December 10.
It was unclear when JD Gyms was set to open, however a sign at the premises said "Opening before the end of the year." Pictures of the scene show the industrial unit surrounded by wooden boards.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue said the fire involved plywood panelling on the exterior of the building. Photos taken at the scene show black soot left on the panelling following the fire.
Firefighters used a hose reel jet to put out the fire and it was extinguished by 10.12pm. Crews used a positive pressure fan to clear smoke from the building. Firefighters left the scene at 11.22pm.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue said: "Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service attended a fire on Boundary Road, St Helens, on Thursday, November 24.
"Crews were alerted at 9.48pm and on scene at 9.53pm. Two fire engines attended. On arrival crews found a fire in a single storey industrial unit under renovation.
"The fire involved plywood panelling on the exterior of the building. Firefighters used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire – it had been extinguished by 10.12pm.
"Crews used a positive pressure fan to clear smoke from the building. Crews left the scene at 11.22pm."
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We are appealing for information following a suspicious fire to the side of a building in St Helens yesterday evening, Thursday 24 November.
"At around 11.10pm it was reported that there was a fire on the outside of empty premises on Boundary Road. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported.
"The extent of the damage caused is unknown at this stage. CCTV and witness enquiries are being carried out, and anyone with any information is asked to contact police."
Anyone in the area with information, CCTV or dashcam can contact us on 101 or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 22000866812.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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