A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a “large-scale” fire near the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool city centre.
Crews were alerted at 01.38am yesterday, Monday, and were seen at the former bar within three minutes with six engines tackling the blaze.
The building is now disused but used to house the bar Smokie Mo’s, Merseyside Police said.
Initially, smoke was seen billowing out of the disused four-storey building.
More than 60 firefighters worked for over five hours before bringing the blaze under control.
Engineers on the scene continued to isolate the electrical supply to the building. At its height, 12 fire engines were at the scene.
However, Merseyside Fire and rescue then said “well developed fire” had been “substantially suppressed” and crews were scaled back.
BREAKING | Working with @merseyfire, we have arrested a 22-y-o man on suspicion of arson in #Liverpool City Centre in the early hours of this morning (Mon). He is in custody for questioning. Road closures remain in place. Info to @MerpolCC ref: 21000687770https://t.co/S5NXDGgK51 pic.twitter.com/srXbnKGNRw
— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) October 4, 2021
According to the Fire and Rescue Service, the incident involves a brick building measuring approximately 30m by 30m.
Road closures took place on Brownlow Hill, Mount Pleasant and Hawk Street.
Local residents and businesses were advised to keep doors and windows shut and some roads were closed nearby.
Police say a 22-year-old is in custody for questioning on suspicion of arson.
Fire crews left the scene at 16.12pm yesterday afternoon. Mersey Fire would like to thank partner agencies and the Salvation Army for their support throughout this incident.
