A FIRE at a Claire House charity shop in Bromborough on New Year's Eve is no longer being treated as arson, police confirmed today.

Emergency services were called to the shop on The Rake at around 3.30am that morning after a passer-by saw smoke coming from a broken window of the shop.

It was initially thought the fire had been deliberately started, but after an examination of the scene, it is now believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

But detectives are still appealing for information following this incident after a window was found damaged at the shop.

Messages of support have been left on the Claire House website, as the charity's fundraising team begins the task of repairing the damage.

Staff from Claire House will be collecting stock from the public to replenish the store this Friday and Saturday.

It will take place behind the shop from 10am to 2pm on both days.

Hannah Shannon, communications manager for the charity, said: "There has been such an outpouring of support from the community already, with people offering donations for the shop.

"We hope as many people as possible will show their support by coming along to donate on Saturday.

"For more details, call 0151 346 2965."

In a statement, Merseyside Police said: "This part of Bromborough is very quiet at this time of night so anyone passing by would notice people loitering near Claire House beforehand or running away afterwards.

"If you remember seeing or hearing anything suspicious then please call the police or Crimestoppers."

Call Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.