A 14-year-old schoolgirl faces arson charges following a devastating fire that ravaged a centuries-old landmark in Liverpool.

According to an ITV News Granada report, emergency responders rushed to the Grade I-listed Woolton Hall after alerts about the fire came in around 8:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, with witnesses noting a sizable gathering of young people on the property. The incident has left the 321-year-old manor house severely damaged, prompting authorities to launch a probe into its origins.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service personnel battled the flames throughout the night to bring them under control. Initial assessments point to the fire being started intentionally, leading to a collaborative effort between fire officials and police to uncover the full details.

Historic Site Suffers Major Damage

The blaze has gutted Woolton Hall, a structure that has endured for over three centuries and holds significant cultural value in Liverpool. Smoke continued to billow from the site even into the following day, highlighting the extent of the destruction caused by the flames.

Detective Inspector Daniel McWhinnie of Merseyside Police described the event as an act of extreme recklessness targeting a longstanding historic edifice. He emphasized that local residents are likely deeply upset by the loss and assured that law enforcement aims to hold every involved party accountable.

Reports indicated that a cluster of youths was spotted assembling close to the hall just prior to the fire's outbreak. McWhinnie urged any individuals present or those aware of participants to reach out to authorities without delay.

Police Seek Witnesses and Evidence

Investigators are pursuing multiple avenues, such as interviewing possible eyewitnesses and reviewing available surveillance footage from the vicinity. They believe community input could be crucial in piecing together the sequence of events leading to the arson.

McWhinnie appealed directly to parents and guardians in the region, asking them to discuss their children's whereabouts on the night in question. He suggested that any relevant details from those conversations could aid the ongoing inquiry.

Drivers who passed through the Speke Road area that Tuesday evening are encouraged to check their dashcam recordings for potentially helpful material. Even seemingly minor footage might prove valuable upon closer examination, according to police statements.

Community Shocked by Reckless Act

The fire's deliberate nature has sparked widespread concern among Liverpool locals who value Woolton Hall's heritage. Efforts to extinguish the blaze required sustained work from fire crews, underscoring the challenge posed by the incident.

McWhinnie noted that the police are committed to a thorough examination to identify all responsible individuals. He reiterated the importance of public cooperation in resolving the case swiftly.

Anonymous tips are welcomed through various channels, including the independent charity Crimestoppers, to encourage more people to come forward. Options for reporting include social media platforms, direct calls, or online submissions, all designed to facilitate information sharing.