Emergency services are at the scene of a fire in a town hall, where flames are “coming out of its roof”, causing smoke which can be seen from miles away.
Photos taken at the scene show thick black smoke billowing into the sky, as witnesses watch on from a distance, unable to do anything, reports the Mirror.
Ten fire appliances were dispatched to the scene and are currently battling the fire after the alarm was around 11.55am.
Members of the public have been warned to stay away from the area as the incident continues. A cordon has been placed around the area by Merseyside Police for the interest of public safety.
One witness said on X: “Just drove past The Meadows and Maghull Town Hall is on fire. Police stopping the traffic. Maghull is at a standstill.”
Merseyside Fire and Rescue said in a statement to Liverpool Echo: “Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance at an incident on Hall Lane, Maghull. Crews were alerted at 11.55 and on scene at 12.09, with ten fire engines and two aerial appliances at scene.
“This is the roof space to a three storey building – Maghull Town Hall, well alight. The incident has been sectorised with firefighters with two main branches fighting the blaze externally in sectors one and two.
“Water supplies have been secured and the aerial appliance is being set up in sector three. Merseyside Police are also in attendance maintaining cordons. This is an ongoing incident, please avoid the area.”
A spokesman for Septon Council confirmed the building was empty at the time the blaze broke out. They added in a statement: “We are aware of a fire which has broken out at Maghull Town Hall.
“Meadows Leisure Centre has been safely evacuated and we would like to thank our incredible staff for acting swiftly and responsibly to keep our members safe. We are supporting Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service at this time and a number of road closures are in place to help emergency services carry out their roles safely and effectively.
“We urge everyone to avoid the area and nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors secured to protect themselves from the smoke.”
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