A BLAZE at Saints' former Knowsley Road home has raised fears the famous old ground could be the repeat target of vandals before it is flattened in March.

Emergency crews were called at about 11.30pm on Thursday (January 13) after smoke filled a ground floor corridor of the unoccupied ground.

Firefighters tackled the blaze until shortly after midnight.

It is suspected a pile of rubbish near an entrance was set on fire and flames spread inside.

Police confirmed an investigation to determine whether the blaze was started deliberately is ongoing.

A zone of the stadium measuring 8 metres by 10metres was left smoke damaged while a larger area was also affected by the fumes.

Police described the damage as “minimal” but the result could have been far worse had the fire taken a greater hold.

At the time of the blaze the ground remained under Saints control but a handover of keys to building firm Taylor Wimpey is believed to be imminent.

The housebuilder has told the Star it intends bulldozing the stadium in March, although a firm date has not been fixed.

A spokesperson for the company added: “Taylor Wimpey hasn’t yet taken legal ownership of the site so the responsibility for the stadium falls with St Helens Rugby League Football Club.

“We understand that the club has increased the site’s security presence in a bid to deter further acts of this nature.”

The Star has reported previously how the Dunriding Lane end of the ground has been targeted by vandals while occupied by the club.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010.