MEMBERS of an allotment have spoken of their upset after sheds at the site were torched on Thursday evening.

Fire crews were called to the Recreation Street Allotment in Fingerpost at around 7pm and spent more than an hour tackling the flames.

A police investigation is underway with the incident being treated as an arson attack.

One allotment holder said: "It was definitely done deliberately and three sheds have been burned.

"It's so upsetting because you think who's next?

"There's lots of women here and it's putting them off going in on their own."

The allotment site has more than 30 users aged between 40 and 80-plus, with many of them pensioners.

Members have said there have been ongoing problems with anti-social behaviour and youths breaking into the site.

"You should expect when you go for it to be the same when you come back in the morning," an allotment holder added.

"There are good people here and it's a nice atmosphere and look what happens.

"It's ongoing and nobody seems to be taking any notice. It has been like the Wild West here."

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue spokesman confirmed that crews attended the area and spent more than an hour putting out the fire.

He said: "We had two engines attend and used a power reel hose to extinguish the fire.

"We were called at 7pm and we were on scene until 8.08pm. The fire involved a number of sheds."

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "An arson investigation is underway after the fire at allotments on Recreation Street, reported at 7pm last night, Thursday, March 16.

"CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing and anyone with info is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting log 895 or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111."