Arson attack on Woolston industrial estate causes £100,000 worth of damage

Ten fire engines were called to Forward Works on Bridge Lane at around 11pm to reports of a large fire.

Residents were forced to keep their windows shut on Saturday night due to the high volume of smoke coming from the flames.

The fire had taken hold of wooden pallets which were stacked next to a fence in one of the yards.

100 tonnes worth of wood has been damaged. 

A different fire was started at WH Capper but went out by itself before any damage was caused to the building.

The damage of the fire. Credit: Warrington Guardian reader Chirs Robb

Flames and smoke were visible over the treetops and roofs of Woolston, and residents some distance away say they could hear the flames and the efforts of firefighters to tackle the fire.

Crews used jets to tackle the fire from both sides and then used a fork lift truck to remove the pallets, and then continued to remove them by hand.

They then cooled down the area and monitored the temperature of the ground.

Detective constable Tom Ashton, of Warrington CID, said: “Thankfully no-one was hurt as a result of the fires. The consequences of the fires could have been far worse.

“Our investigation into the fires is still in its early stages but it appears that offenders started the fire at Forward Works from a footpath clearing off Cliftonville Road before they entered the industrial estate and started a further fire within the WH Capper building.

“The fires put lives and people’s livelihoods at risk and I would like to reassure business owners and residents that we are determined to establish who was responsible for the fires and make them face the consequences of their actions.

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100 tonnes of wood pallets were damaged in the fire

“Enquiries into the fires are ongoing and as part of our investigation we want to hear from anyone with any information or footage that may be relevant.

“Perhaps you were in the area and witnessed something that may aid our investigation, or may be you have information regarding who started the fires."

The fire was brought under control shortly after midnight, and residents had to close windows due to the clouds of smoke.

Firefighters were still at the site at 11am on Sunday as timber was still burning.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service deliberate fire reduction manager Andy Gray added: “Fires that are believed to have been started deliberately such as this take up valuable resources, costing taxpayers thousands of pounds, so if anyone knows anything about it then please report what you know.”

An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the fire which is believed to have been started deliberately. 

Anyone with information or CCTV footage that may help the investigation into the fires should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 442331, give the details via www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Dashcam footage can be submitted online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage.