A BLAZE at a rugby club is being treated as a suspected arson attack following the findings of an investigation, say Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.

As the Star reported, the fire took hold in a shelter, which is used by Blackbrook amateur rugby league club supporters, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Fire crews were called to Boardmans Lane at 1.37am on Sunday August 31 following a number of calls from members of the public.

The fire was out by 2.18am and firefighters continued to dampen down until an hour later.

The investigation carried out yesterday ruled the cause of the fire as "suspected deliberate ignition".

Watch Manager Ian Mullen Arson Reduction co-ordinator at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The wooden stand at the rugby club which measured around 25 metres long by around five metres wide and had a pitched roof was severely damaged by this fire.

“The fire also spread to the club house, with heat slightly damaging around 10 metres of guttering and cracking several windows. Firefighters worked quickly at the scene to prevent the fire damaging anything else at the site.

“Luckily no-one was injured this time but fires started deliberately can pose a risk to people – including those who start the fire.

"We investigate every fire we are called to and pass information to the police to help bring those who commit arson to court and to face the consequences of their crimes.”

Anyone with information information can contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.