A FIRE at a flat which saw one person having to be rescued is believed to have been started deliberately, say police.

Emergency services attended Havannah Lane, Parr at around 4pm on Thursday, November 26.

Four fire engines were called to the blaze in a first floor flat, which was described as being "well alight".

St Helens Star:

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and rescued one person, who was taken to hospital for further assessment.

The blaze was extinguished by firefighters.

Crews carried out a comprehensive search of all flats and all people have been accounted for.

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Police are investigating the fire which they are treating as a "suspected malicious ignition".

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "We are investigating following a fire in a flat in St Helens.

"We were called at just after 4pm yesterday, Thursday, November 26 to reports of a fire in a block of flats in Havannah Lane.

"One flat, which was empty at the time, was badly damaged by fire and smoke damage was caused to an upper communal area. Occupants of the other flats were seen safe and well with one person being treated for smoke inhalation.

"The cause of the fire is being treated as suspected malicious ignition and an investigation is underway.

"Enquiries are being carried out in the local area.

"Anyone with any information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 20000719962."