Emergency services remain at the scene of a derelict social club on fire in St Helens.
Last night, dozens of firefighters were at the scene after Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a fire at a derelict social club on Alexandra Drive, St Helens at 10.31pm.
Eight fire engines and an aerial appliance arrived at 10.37pm to find the single storey derelict social club, the former Ravenshead Social Club, well alight.
Read more: Woman upset at Pontins staff 'losers' comments
Crews began to fight the fire with three hoses and a hose reel jet while trying to gain entry to the building 30m by 80m building residents nearby were advised to keep windows and doors closed.
This morning, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police are on the scene and a joint investigation into the cause of the fire will take place in due course.
In a statement, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighting activities continued overnight and into Wednesday, 30th June.
"At the height of the incident, there were eight engines and an aerial appliance on scene.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
"As of 7am of this morning, the fire is under control, almost extinguished, with damping down and hot-spotting taking place.
"MFRS will maintain a presence at the scene today due to the potential of unseen embers to remain and reignite.
"Merseyside Police are also on scene and a joint investigation into the cause of the fire will take place in due course.
"There are not thought to be any injuries."
In a statement, Merseyside Police said: "Mersey Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a fire at the former Ravenhead Club on Alexandra Drive, St Helens, at 12.55am today, Wednesday 30 th June.
"A joint investigation is currently underway. The cause of the fire, which caused significant damage to the building, is currently being treated as suspected malicious ignition.
"Forensic enquiries are being carried out at the scene together with CCTV and witness enquiries."
Detective Inspector Leanne Hobin said: "Enquiries are in the very early stages but at this stage it is being treated as suspected malicious ignition.
"I would ask anyone who has any information which could assist the investigation to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 21000455023."
This morning, St Helens Council tweeted: "ROAD CLOSURE: Alexandra Road, Ravenhead closed this morning following a fire overnight at a derelict social club near the industrial estate.
"Local diversions are in place. Please avoid the area."
