A FIRE at a derelict building was found to have been started deliberately, an investigation has found.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of a fire at the former Scott Clinic, on Rainhill Road, Rainhill on Thursday afternoon.
The blaze was around 50m by 30m in size and was on the first floor and roof areas of the empty building.
Firefighters spent nearly seven hours at the scene dealing with the blaze.
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Crews were alerted at around 4.30pm and five fire engines, an aerial appliance and a service drone were in attendance.
A Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Crews arrived to find a derelict building measuring 50m by 30m well alight on the first floor and roof space."
Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus began fighting the blaze using a main jet hose and an aerial appliance was used to take temperature readings.
Merseyside Police attended to manage road closures on Rainhill Road and Elton Head Road.
A fire and rescue service spokeswoman later added: "Fire crews remained on scene to dampen down and hot spot the area.
"The incident was scaled down to two fire engines at 8.04pm and crews continued hot spotting and worked to make the roof space safe.
"An investigation team confirmed that the cause of fire was deliberate.
"Crews left the scene at 11.12pm."
Merseyside Police has been asked for comment.
Fire crews had previously attended a fire at the grounds of the Rainhill Road site in May this year.
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