A William Hill betting shop was damaged by a blaze from a discarded cigarette.
Fire crews rushed to Church Street in Liverpool city centre at around 3.30pm on Thursday, June 8, after reports smoke was seen coming from the ground floor of the building which houses William Hill. At the scene, firefighters found the smoke was coming from wood panelling at the front of the shop.
Firefighters gained access to the basement to investigate and discovered wood had been damaged by fire. It is believed the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette. The area was cooled down and crews left the scene around an hour later.
A spokesperson for Mersyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended an incident on Church Street, Liverpool on the afternoon of Thursday, June 8. Crews were alerted at 3.39pm and two fire engines were on scene at 3.45pm.
READ MORE: Live updates as cordon still in place after three people arrested on suspicion of murder
"On arrival, crews investigated a small amount of smoke located in the ground floor of a three storey shop. Firefighters gained access to the basement and removed wood panelling from the front of the shop to further investigate the cause.
"A small amount of wood had been damaged by fire, caused by a discarded cigarette. Crews cut back the affected wooden area, cooled with a high pressure hose reel and monitored temperatures, with no signs of any excessive heat.
"The regional manager of the shop attended and arranged for a joiner to attend to repair the affected area. Crews left the scene at 4.46pm."
READ NEXT: People hugged each other in street after man found dead in house
Young mum who led double life as Encrochat user 'StiffNinja' has jewellery and property seized
