POLICE investigating a fire at a former law court in Runcorn have launched an arson probe.

Six fire engines from Runcorn, Widnes, Frodsham Stockton Heath and Penketh fire stations rushed to the ex-Halton Magistrates’ Court building on Second Avenue shortly after 8pm last night, Monday.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that no one was inside the building at the time and there are no reported injuries.

Crews spent around five hours tackling the flames, with an investigation into the cause of the blaze beginning afterwards.

Since then, Cheshire Police has now confirmed that the cause of the fire was deliberate involving materials inside the premises.

Officers are now appealing for information from members of the public and encouraging them to get in touch.

Detective Sergeant Alex Reeves, from Halton CID, said: “The fire is being treated as arson and our investigation is ongoing to identify who was responsible.

“After reviewing CCTV footage, we believe the fire was already underway prior to emergency services attending to the scene.

“I am asking members of the public to come forward if they saw any suspicious behaviour from around 7pm that evening.

“The investigation is in its early stages, and I would ask people who have CCTV or dash cam footage that may be useful to get in touch.

“Thankfully, there have been no reports of anyone sustaining any injuries, however I want to remind the public of how dangerous and unsafe it can be to enter these types of buildings and to please keep away from them.”

Anyone who has information is asked to contact Cheshire Police online quoting IML 1155347.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Ministry of Justice shut Halton Magistrates’ Court in January 2017, with cases instead being heard at Warrington Magistrates’ Court.