A huge blaze ripped through a derelict building that used to be a former children's home.
Firefighters were called to Beaconsfield Road and Church Road in Woolton just after 6pm on Saturday, October 8 to a derelict building fire. Huge flames and smoke could be seen billowing out of the windows of St Gabriel's Convent.
Police and fire crews were in attendance, with Beaconsfield Road and Church Road closed off to cars. When firefighters arrived at the scene the two storey building was well alight.
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An update issued by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service at 8.02pm said the first floor and roof space of the building was involved in fire. At time of publication, the fire was still ongoing and members of the public were advised to avoid the area.
Nearby residents and businesses were urged to keep windows and doors closed and anyone with existing medical conditions were told to keep medicine nearby and call NHS 111 if ill effects occur. One person at the scene told the ECHO "it was such a shame" to see the building on fire.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue issued another update at 9.09pm and said "firefighting activity" was continuing and expected to do so for "several hours." They also said there were "poor water supplies" in the area and firefighters were accessing water from elsewhere.
Group Manager Franny Hill, Incident Commander, said: "Fire crews are working extremely hard. Due to poor water supplies in the area, crews are accessing water from alternative sources. Water tankers are also being provided by United Utilities.
"We expect to remain on scene for the coming hours and would ask members of the public to avoid the area whilst we work to bring this incident to a conclusion."
Built in 1828, the Grade II listed manor house, then known at Knolle Park, later became St Gabriel's Convent and Knolle Park Children's Home. The site has been subject to a number of redevelopment plans over the years including a care village and a residential complex but has stood empty and abandoned for years.
There was a fire at the building in 2016 which left much of it gutted as flames tore through the interior.
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