A police investigation is underway following an arson attack on the Warburton Bridge toll booth near Lymm, Warrington.
Peel Ports, who operate the toll at Warburton Bridge, have confirmed that the fire which destroyed the booth was a deliberate act of arson and say a police investigation is underway and CCTV footage is being reviewed.
Fire broke out at around 1.10am this morning and was tackled by two fire crews, one from Lymm and one from Altrincham who were at the scene for around an hour. They used hose reels to extinguish the flames.
Despite some reports stating the bridge has been closed in both directions, it is in fact fully open with no toll currently being taken.
Peel have confirmed that the bridge remains open and that normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.
The bridge has been the subject of much controversy over the years with local politicians and residents campaigning for the 12p toll to be removed because of the traffic chaos caused at certain times.
Residents have been known to pay the operators bulk amounts to allow traffic through to help ease congestion.
Pictures James Balme
