A LARGE blaze which engulfed a row of shops last night is being treated as a "suspected arson", say police.

The fire is being investigated by police, a spokeswoman confirmed. 

She said: "We are treating it as an arson. 

"We have carried out some house-to-house enquiries and are waiting for the fire service investigators to carry out some work. 

"It is a suspected arson at this stage." 

Business owners are understood to be devastated by the fire which has ravaged their premises.

Flames took hold at a Thrifty's general store in Wythburn Crescent, Carr Mill at 11.40pm on Wednesday.

It spread to neighbouring hairdressers and two takeaways. All the businesses appeared to be severely damaged this morning. 

The Thrifty's store included a post office. 

Five fire engines and a platform ladder were on the scene as firefighters worked through the night.

St Helens Star:

The blaze ripped through the shops overnight

Crews went into three adjacent shops in an attempt to stop the blaze spreading. It was brought under control at about 6am this morning.

The road is still cordoned off and firefighters remain on the Carr Mill estate.

Some neighbours on the estate surrounding the row of shops watched from the street through the early hours.

Firefighters left the scene at 12.40pm and have handed the incident over to building control.

The property, which includes a row of five shops, will be secured and fenced off.

The fire service says an investigation into the cause of the fire will be carried out in due course.

Speaking to the Star today, onlookers said they were devastated for business owners.

One resident said: “It is such a shame. Everyone used this shop (Thrifty’s).

“It was just up in flames - it started about 11.30pm. The flames must have been 10 or 15 ft higher than the shops.

“It’s a blow to the community. 

“The owners of the Chinese (which is next to the shop) were here last night and you could see they were upset.”

St Helens Star:

Fire crews using the platform this morning

Another said: "It's Christmas soon, what will happen to the jobs of people who worked here. It's heartbreaking really.

"A lot of people rely on these shops." 

Police were also on scene but have yet to comment on the cause of the blaze.

Councillor John Fulham, who represents the Moss Bank Ward, said: "Devastating news for local businesses in my ward. So glad nobody was injured though.

"I wonder how insurers will help out and if the council can support in the meantime."

St Helens Star:

St Helens Star:

Some residents' water supply has been affected by the incident.