Market organisers have spoken of their devastation after a fire broke out this morning which 'melted' much of the equipment for Granby Market.
The blaze is thought to have broken out at approximately 11am when a fire was lit between two containers holding equipment for the monthly market on Ducie Street in Toxteth, which has been on hold in recent months due to coronavirus.
The damaged equipment includes the iconic colourful Granby Market gazebos, which have been a hallmark of the market that is at the heart of the area's regeneration efforts, and the gazebos are often in use at other events across the city.
Market organiser Joe Farrag told the ECHO : "The whole thing's destroyed. It's just such a shocker. We're trying to get all the equipment out to see the full extent of the damage.
"One of the guys in Jermyn Street had gone to walk his dog in the park just before 10am and as he walked back he saw a fire between the containers.
"The canvases of the gazebos are all wrecked, we might be able to salvage some of the tables and we'll have to see whether the frames can be salvaged."
Granby resident Theresa MacDermott, who helps run the monthly market with her husband Joe, said: "I just burst into tears when I saw it. It's horrendous. We're looking at £25-30,000 of damage.
"It's not just the equipment, the tables, chairs and gazebos, there were also speakers there that were used on market day.
"The gazebos are something that we built up gradually, I'm not sure how we're going to replace it all."
Joe Farrag posted news of the damage in local groups on Facebook, and many residents have spoken of their "shock" and "anger" at the destruction of equipment for the much-loved market, with people suggesting on social media setting up a fundraiser to help replace the gazebos.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue confirmed they were called to a fire on Ducie Street around 10am this morning after reports of a fire and have now put out the blaze.
Merseyside Police officers also attended the scene and a spokesperson said: "Officers working alongside Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) are appealing for information following a suspected arson in Granby, Toxteth this morning, Wednesday 2 September.
"At around 11am, officers were called to Ducie Street to reports of two containers on fire. The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported. At this stage the incident is being treated as potentially suspicious.
If you were in the area and saw or heard anything, or captured CCTV, dashcam or other footage of anyone acting suspiciously, please come forward with reference number 20000528479 via our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
