POLICE are appealing for information after a care service that helps the elderly and disabled was damaged in an arson attack.

A large industrial bin was torched at Premier Care Ltd, Marsh Street, Padgate, causing ‘major smoke damage’ to the building.

The bin, situated immediately next to the property, was destroyed in the fire.

Premier Care provides home support to pensioners, anyone with mental or physical disabilities, and young families.

Staff say they are unable to use parts of the building due to smoke damage from the blaze.

It happened in the early hours of Sunday, according to Cheshire Police.

Cath Appleby, office manager, said: “It must have been a big fire.

“One of my colleagues came in, in the morning, and the flames were still smouldering, so she called the fire brigade.

“I think there were four bins that went up.

“We can’t use the kitchen, or the boiler, so there’s no hot water.

“The kitchen window melted and we can’t get in the back door.

“Even the tarmac melted.

“The smell has been horrendous.

“It’s been a real problem for us in this building.”

Mrs Appleby added the team would not let the attack affect the vulnerable people who depend on the care service.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters were called to a report of a bin fire on Marsh Street in Warrington.

“When they arrived they found that the incident involved two bins but they had melted the window of a property.

“Firefighters used hose reel jets to deal with the fire and a special fan to clear the smoke from inside.

“A fire investigation has been launched to find the cause of the blaze.”

Mrs Appleby added the team would not let the attack affect the vulnerable people who depend on the care service.

DC Richard Kennedy, of Warrington CID, said: “A large industrial type bin was set alight and major smoke damage was caused to the rear of the building.

Police are appealing for witnesses to this serious incident and anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact me at Arpley Street Police Station on 101.

“Information can also be left anonymously, on the Crimestoppers hotline, 0800 555111.”