Arsonists strike at asbestos shed (From Warrington Guardian)

Arsonists strike at asbestos shed

A SHED was gutted in an arson attack - two years after a fierce blaze ripped through the same area.

The burning wooden building, in Appleton Village, Widnes, had an asbestos cement roof, so firefighters had to be decontaminated.

"It is thought the fire was started deliberately," said sub officer Keith Stockdale. "This is not the first time that residents in this area have had to face a major fire.

"A number of garages and outbuildings were involved in a fire on bonfire night two years ago, and several appliances were required to put it out."

Thick black smoke could be seen billowing from Whitfield and Brown at 7pm last Saturday.

The wooden building had been used as an office and was due for demolition.

No one was injured and the fire was confined to the shed.

Around 25 firefighters from Widnes and Runcorn spent several hours dealing with the incident.

Sub officer Andy Royle requested four pumps and a specialist appliance from Warrington to decontaminate the firefighters who may have come into contact with asbestos fibres.