'Deliberate' fire destroys Wirral reedbed

A fire that wiped out Neston Reedbed, near Parkgate on the Wirral, over the weekend is suspected to have been started deliberately.

Several crews from the Cheshire and Merseyside fire and rescue services were called to the scene shortly after 6 pm on Saturday evening, following reports of a large blaze on the marsh.

Footage of the marsh on fire circulated on social media on Saturday evening (Fungusdabogeyman via Twitter).

Driven by a breeze, the fire wiped out around 1 sq km of habitat, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

A statement from the RSPB, which manages the site, said: "This part of our reserve is home to significant wildlife including Cetti's Warblers and Eurasian Bitterns. Western Marsh Harriers were building nests on marshland that has sadly been lost to fire. Full extent of the damage is still being assessed and we'll share further details when we're able."

Cheshire Police has appealed to the public for information, stating that officers were keen to talk to a group of three boys and a girl, aged 14-15, who were seen in the area at around 6.20 pm, when the fire begam. The girl was described as having long, dark hair and wearing a dark jacket. Two of the boys were wearing dark jackets, with the third wearing a light blue jacket and trousers.