Wirral's Liscard Hall fire was started deliberately

Jul 16 2008 By Lorna Hughes

A HUNT has begun for arsonists after an investigation revealed Liscard Hall was deliberately set on fire.

The manager of Merseyside’s fire investigation team said clues found on grass near the remains of the Grade II-listed building indicate a crime was committed.

Liscard Hall was demolished last week after a massive blaze left it structurally unsound.

Jed Flowerday said: "We found evidence on a patch of grass very near the hall, there were scorched areas caused by matches being shoved into areas of turf and little pyre-like fires.

"They had used a large box of kitchen matches. Six metres from there were more discarded matches.

"It’s typical of a situation where one thing leads to another and the situation escalates.

"We have investigated with the council and all doors and grilles were secured.

"We are aware that there have been incidents of arson in the past where the culprits had got up the side of the building and entering via a first floor window, and we can’t discount that on this occasion."

The demolition came months before Wirral Council was due to choose a developer to bring the Grade II-listed former art school back into use.

The council announced early last year it was looking for a developer to bring the once majestic building, empty since March 2003, back into use.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm we are investigating arson.

"Forensic materials have been sent off for analysis."