POLICE are investigating suspected arson in Widnes.

Emergency services were called to Ashley Way West on Saturday night following reports of a vehicle on fire.

Firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze, which they believe to have been started “deliberately”.

Cheshire Police are now appealing for witnesses as they treat the incident as “suspicious”.

A spokesperson said: “At around 9.40pm on Saturday, March 9, police were called to reports of a vehicle fire in Widnes.

“The caller reported that a van had been found well alight on Ashley Way West.

“Officers attended the scene and made a search of the area.

“The fire was extinguished by firefighters and the incident is being treated as suspicious.”

Anyone with any information about what happened is urged to contact Cheshire Police at www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML 1774488.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service sent one engine, from the Widnes station, to the scene at 9.07pm.

“Firefighters used a hose reel jet to extinguish a van fire in Widnes,” a spokesperson said.

“The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.”