A MASS evacuation was sparked last night after arsonists set fire to dangerous gas canisters close to a railway line.

More than 100 homes were cleared and rail services were severely disrupted following the incident on Carole Close in Sutton Leach yesterday (Wednesday, October 19).

Senior police officers say that potentially “canisters could have ignited and exploded at any time” and caused “dire consequences”.

Officers and firefighters arrived at the scene to discover canisters containing oxy-acetylene had been placed near the railway track and deliberately set on fire.

A cordon was immediately put in place to allow firefighters to monitor the condition of the canisters and ensure the safety of rail passengers and those living close to the site.

Eleven families were put up in hotels in St Helens and Haydock overnight, while others stayed with relatives and friends.

The cordon was reduced overnight, but remained in place this morning (October 20), with dozens of families still waiting to learn when it will be safe to go back home.

Chief Inspector Neil Moffatt from the British Transport Police said: “I cannot over emphasise just how dangerous this was.

“The canisters could have ignited and exploded at any time and I would like to take this opportunity to praise the work of our officers, railway partners, Merseyside Fire and Rescue and Merseyside Police for their prompt actions in bringing the situation under control.

“We are now in the process of investigating the incident, however, the fire service is still monitoring the temperature of the cylinders and once they have cooled sufficiently then forensic officers can examine the scene.

“Public Safety is the main priority right now.

“The community impact of this incident is significant, in that homes have been evacuated in the immediate vicinity, and trains between Liverpool And Manchester via St Helens, have been severely disrupted.

“This could have had dire consequences and I ask that anyone with information makes contact with British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.

“Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Local MP Shaun Woodward this morning visited Sutton Leach to see for himself the work of the emergency services. He has paid tribute to the emergency services following last nights' suspected arson attack on an embankment close to residential properties in Carole Close, Sutton.

More than 100 homes had to be evacuated following the setting alight of tyres placed around highly flammable gas cylinders.

Speaking after visiting the scene, the local MP Shaun Woodward said:“Merseyside emergency services have done an amazing job to protect local residents. Their speedy action and their bravery have ensured local people were spared what might have been a tragic set of events.

"We should now wait for the police to carry out a proper analysis of the scene to discover what brought about this very serious risk to local families. I urge anyone who has any information or may have seen any unusual activity to come forward and contact the Police on 0151 777 605.”