POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a suspected arson incident at the former Chester University Padgate Campus site.
At 6.40 pm on Sunday, October 19, police were called to the former University of Chester Padgate Campus in Crab Lane, Warrington.
It was established there was a fire in one of the buildings, which was extinguished by colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
A total of seven appliances and the aerial platform from Lymm attended at the scene as firefighters worked through the night to control the blaze.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is currently ongoing, but it is believed that it may have been started deliberately.
Inspector Chris Webster said: “Our investigation into the cause of the fire is in its early stages but we believe it may have been a deliberate ignition.
“Therefore, we are asking anyone who witnessed anything suspicious around the time of the incident to get in touch with us.
“The same goes for anyone who has any further information which could aid us.
“This site has been subject to anti-social behaviour over the past few months, and we would like to remind members of the public that such activity is incredibly dangerous.
“The Padgate site is private property and trespassing poses safety risks.
“Incidents such as this not only take away time and resources from the emergency services, but they also risk causing harm and injury to people. Thankfully, this recent fire was quickly brought under control, but the story could have been much different.
“We will be increasing patrols in the area as reassurance to nearby residents.
“If anyone has any information to report, please contact us via our website or by calling 101, quoting IML-2198079.”
The former Padgate campus site has been earmarked for a housing development.
