TWO thirteen-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a huge fire at an abandoned warehouse in Birkenhead.
Firefighters were called to the incident in Cleveland Street, Birkenhead at around 5.50pm on Monday.
Residents are being told to keep their windows and doors shut.
The fire sent plumes of smoke billowing across Merseyside.
There were no reports of any injuries.
At its height 11 fire engines and two aerial appliances were in attendance. The warehouse is understood to be full of commercial waste.
Residents in the local area are urged to shut all windows and doors in their homes due to significant smoke plume, which is particulary affecting Cavendish Street, Corporation Road and Beaufort Road.
Cleveland Street remains closed both ways this morning from Cavendish Street to A5027 Duke Street.
Traffic is coping well. Corporation Road and Beaufort Road are also closed, while the trading estate has been evacuated
Residents should keep medicines nearby and if any ill effects are experienced please call NHS 111.
Police at the scene tonight. Picture: @MerPolWirral
Firefighters use aerial platform to fight the flames. Pictures: Liam Connor
Firefighters are tackling a big fire on Corporation Road. Photo: Elizabeth Ingham
Mersey Fire & Rescue have confirmed that six fire engines are on the scene.
(Above) Firefighters using aerial platform to fight the flames. Picture: Liam Connor
Liam Connor, sent us these pictures of fire service using aerial platform to fight the flames.
He told the Globe: "I work literally across the road and the speed the fire took hole was unbelievable.
"They did start using foam but it wasn't making a difference so they went to water at high pressure and getting it under control.
"We have recovery trucks which we used to block corporation road off as we believe there is asbestos in the roofs.
"Credit to majority of people when we blocked the roads they understood and complied."
A Merseyside Police statement read: "We have arrested two boys in connection with a fire in Birkenhead on Monday, March 23.
"At around 5.55pm, emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a warehouse on Cleveland Street.
"Following enquiries, officers arrested two 13-year-old boys from the Birkenhead area on suspicion of arson.
"They have been taken to local police stations for questioning. There are no reports of any injuries.
"Officers and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service remain at the scene and members of the public are advised to avoid the area."
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