A fire that ripped through a mum's home and left her with "nothing" may have been started deliberately.
Merseyside Police has confirmed that officers are now appealing for information after Toni Shield's home was hit by a devastating blaze. The force confirmed officers were called to a property on Craigside Avenue in West Derby at around 7.45pm on Wednesday, December 21.
Initially, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were leading the investigation into the fire but Merseyside Police are now also investigating. The 35-year-old mum of two told the ECHO she was out at the time of the blaze but quickly returned home when "every neighbour on the street" rang her phone.
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Following further reports and forensic examinations police believe the fire may have been caused deliberately. A joint investigation between Merseyside Police and MFRS is now underway, with anyone with any information urged to contact police.
A Merseyside Police spokesperson told the ECHO: "Detectives are appealing for more information following a fire at a house in Liverpool.
"At around 7.45pm on Wednesday, 21 December, officers were called to a report of a fire at a property in West Derby. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire at a house on Craigside Avenue.
"No one was injured during the incident. Further reports and forensic examinations have established that the fire may have been caused deliberately.
"A joint investigation between Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police is ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact police. Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information can contact us by DM via our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 22000940497.
"You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information."
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