FIREFIGHTERS and police cordoned off a town centre road this morning after a suspected arson attack at a former church building.

Fire crews were called at 2.40am on Thursday to reports that a disused church building on Borough Road was alight.

Three engines attended the incident, which affected three floors of the building.

They fully extinguished the fire at 5.30am.

Merseyside Police cordoned off the road which was reopened at 7am and the council have attended the scene to access the stability of the building.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police, said: “This is a suspected arson case and police will be investigating this matter further.

“We appeal to members of the public who may have seen something or who have any information to get in touch with us on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”