Fire outside Anfield shop being treated as arson

Merseyside Police are investigating a fire outside a shop in Anfield as a potential arson attack. One man was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, and authorities are currently seeking CCTV footage and witnesses to identify the perpetrator.
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A fire outside an Anfield off-licence is being investigated as arson. At around 9.50pm last night (Wednesday, July 1), emergency services were alerted to a blaze outside Stanley Park News on Stanley Park Avenue South. A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said police officers put the fire out before the fire service arrived at the scene within a minute. A man was treated by paramedics for breathing in smoke before being taken to hospital. Minor damage was caused to the shop. A cordon was put in place outside Stanley Park News last night. Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward, with officers carrying out house-to-house, CCTV and forensic enquiries last night. Detective Inspector Darren Hankin said: "These are the early stages of our investigation, and we are keeping an open mind as to the motive for what is an incredible reckless act. “Thankfully nobody was seriously hurt but we are determined to find the person responsible as soon as possible. If you saw anyone making off or live locally and have CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, please come forward." Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via the website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101 quoting incident reference 1201. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/news Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter . Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here . Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @liverpoolecho.co.uk - official Liverpool ECHO accounts - real news in real time. We're also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
The report is a standard, factual account of a local police investigation.
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