Boy, 12, held on suspicion of arson over gym fire

A 12-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson and intent to endanger life after a fire at a derelict gym on Merseyside.

The blaze broke out shortly after 20:00 BST on Saturday on the Scott Clinic site on Rainhill Road in Rainhill.

Ten children, between the ages of 12 and 13, were inside the building when the fire started but managed to get out safely and did not need medical attention., Merseyside Police said.

The boy has been bailed and the investigation was ongoing, the force said.

Firefighters spent 12 hours dealing with the blaze which caused "significant damage".

"Thankfully nobody was injured during this incident but we know this could have had a very different outcome," Merseyside Police Det Insp Richie Shillito said.

"I would urge parents and guardians to please speak to their children and warn them of the dangers of playing inside derelict buildings."

He said the fire was being treated as arson and inquiries were ongoing.

Anyone with information about the blaze is urged to contact police "as a matter of urgency".

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