A police investigation is underway after a fire police believe was started deliberately damaged a gas pipe at a block of flats in Ellesmere Port.
Fire crews were called to the building off Sutton Way just before 7.30pm on Monday evening (March 31).
When they arrived crews found a sofa on fire in a stairwell and damage to the main gas pipe.
Because of this, residents had to be evacuated from the building and a cordon was set up while the gas and electricity board were called to the scene. to turn off the gas.
They were allowed back in shortly afterwards when it was deemed safe to return.
Cheshire police spokesperson Rachel Hayes said the fire is believed to have been the result of deliberate ignition and cinfirmed that police investigation is currently underway with the police.
She said: “Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 858 of March 31, or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
