Children and parents were in tears after learning a much-loved community centre was destroyed by a fire.
The heatwave is thought to have been responsible for the centre burning to the ground.
Swanside Community Centre in Broadgreen was hit by the blaze yesterday afternoon (Monday), while the region sweltered in scorching temperatures.
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It destroyed a log-built summer house, along with a sensory garden.
Jan Owens, centre manager said: "It's a nightmare. It took us around 10 years to raise the funds to get the centre up and running on an unused plot of land.
"We run so many services for the local community, and the response since the fire has been tremendous.
"We've had the kids and the parents outside in tears because this place means so much to them.
"Thankfully nobody has been hurt, but everything else has been destroyed, including the beautiful sensory garden and summer house, as well as tables and chairs.
"We've been told by the fire service not to touch it for a few days. They said the fire was caused purely by the heat. It was like a force of nature."
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to the scene shortly after 3pm yesterday (Monday).
A spokesperson said: "Crews arrived to find a log cabin well alight, which they put out using a hosereel jet.
"An investigation into the fire is being carried out."
A fundraising page has now been set up to help restore the centre, and has already raised more than £4,000.
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