CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service have launched an arson investigation after a major blaze gutted a large warehouse in Crewe.

Five fire engines and a hydraulic platform were called to Crewe Hall Enterprise Park, Weston Road, at 9am on Sunday, November 11.

On arrival, crews found the 500sqm building well alight and called for back-up from two extra engines.

Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets and covering jet to start fighting the fire on one side of the building, while two firefighters in breathing apparatus used one hose jet on the other.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fore and Rescue Service said: “It is believed the fire was started deliberately and fire investigators are working with the police to examine evidence at the scene.

“Due to the extent of the fire all crews wearing breathing apparatus had to be withdrawn at one stage while ground monitor jets were used.

“Firefighters were then able to surround the fire and prevent it from breaking through into an adjoining building.

“Firefighters on the aerial platform began cooling the roof and were then able to allow smoke to vent from the roof.

“After the seat of the fire was isolated to one part of the building, six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building and used hose reel jets to fully extinguish the flames.

“Thermal imaging cameras were then used to identify any hotspots so they could be dealt with.”

By 1pm, crews were still at the scene of the blaze, but the number of fire engines had been reduced to five.

At 8am the following morning, one fire engine remained damping down the remains, before a fire investigation was launched at 4pm to find out how the fire started.