Merseyside Police are appealing for witnesses following a fire at a house in Bootle

Merseyside Police are appealing for witnesses following a fire at a house in Bootle in the early hours of this morning, Friday 21st June.

Officers and crews from Mersey Fire and Rescue Service attended at just after 3am at the property in Norfolk Close.

Fire and smoke damage was caused to the house and also a Ford Focus car parked outside.

The occupants of the house were able to get out of the property and there are no reported injuries.

The cause of the fire is currently being treated as suspected malicious ignition and house-to-house CCTV enquiries are underway.

Detectives are keeping an open mind as to whether the incident is linked to a firearms discharge on Hawthorne Road on Wednesday night.

Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said: “The investigation is in the very early stages but I would appeal for anyone who was in the area around Norfolk Close in the early hours of this morning who saw anyone or anything suspicious to contact us as they may have important information.”

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

(Stock photo)