FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze in a store room at Risley Prison on Friday.

Four fire engines were called to the scene as a precautionary measure because a burst water main in Wigshaw Lane, Culcheth, had caused a water shortage at the Warrington Road prison. The blaze destroyed a quantity of clothing including football kits. A fire brigade spokesman said it was started on purpose.

While the leak was repaired, a water tanker and bottled water were delivered to the prison and water and prison bosses are now to meet to discuss future emergency provision.

A spokesman for North West Water said: "Several thousand customers were affected by the leak.

"We had to do a major re-zoning operation and supplies were restored by approximately 8pm."

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