Neighbours desperately used hosereels in a bid to keep the flames of a raging marshland fire from their homes.
The huge blaze broke out shortly before 7pm yesterday (Saturday) in the Wirral village of Parkgate, with the flames and smoke visible from as far as North Wales.
Police confirmed today they were treating the fire as arson. Officers said they are particularly keen to speak to a group of teenagers who were seen in the area at around 6.20pm and may have information that could help with their investigation.
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The three boys and a girl are described as being aged between 14 and 15. The girl had long dark hair and was wearing a dark jacket. The two boys were wearing dark jackets and the third teenager was wearing a light blue jacket and trousers.
They are believed to have gone in the direction of Moorside Lane.
This morning firefighters finally withdrew from the scene, while a huge expanse of blackened reed beds was visible where the fire had broken out, with a strong smell of smoke in the air.
The affected area was adjacent to a number of exclusive detached properties. Gordon Line, 79, who lives with wife June, 78, said: "We got a call from a neighbour to say the marsh was on fire.
"It spread very quickly. We did everything we could to keep the flames from spreading to the house. It was intensely hot and the flames were higher than the house.
"We did our best to damp it down with two garden hoses so we could get a fire-break at the back.
"Fortunately the wind was blowing in the other direction. If it hadn't been, millions of pounds of housing would have gone up."
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It was dreadful. You can see what a mess the marshes are now.
"I could see flames outside the window, but my neighbour was like a knight in shining armour hosing down the fence at the back to try and keep the fire from spreading."
A number of people were drawn to the area to see the aftermath of the blaze.
One, Jason Alexander, 50, who lives in Neston said: "It's sad for all the birds and animals that live on the marshes.
"The firefighters did a fantastic job. It must have been a hell of a battle. I hope they find out how it started."
Another, Marilyn Castleton, 68, from Heswall, said: "All sorts of creatures live on the marshes. I don't like the idea that the fire was started carelessly by a discarded cigarette, or even worse deliberately.
"But at least it will grow back."
Cheshire Police said a number of enquiries were underway including carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage.
Inspector Paul Fegan, of Ellesmere Port local policing unit, said: "The scale of the fire has understandably shocked and upset our local community and residents can expect to see officers patrolling the area to provide reassurance.
"We're doing everything possible to find those responsible and are currently following numerous lines of enquiry.
"As part of our investigation I am keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area shortly before the fire started and saw a group of youths matching the description.
"I also want to hear from anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist us in piecing together how the fire started."
If you have information, CCTV or dash cam footage please contact Cheshire Constabulary online or contact 101 quoting IML 1226437.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
