A FIERCE blaze ripped through a Runcorn landmark after an arson attack.

Flames leapt out of the roof and windows of the former Panorama Hotel in Halton Village as 30 firefighters tackled the inferno.

Watch manager Mike Clark said: “The fire got going very very quickly.

“Flames consumed the front end of the roof and broke through the second floor boarded up windows.

“The building is a labyrinth inside and extremely dangerous for firefighters to enter.

“Knowing that there wouldn’t be anyone inside we made a decision not to put any firefighters at risk and stay defensive.”

Six fire engines and an aerial appliance battled the blaze as police officers closed Castle Road and Main Street.

The fire was started deliberately shortly before 3pm on Friday.

Crews spent 10 hours dealing with the incident.

A fire investigation officer is now probing how and where the blaze began.

“If a property is derelict, it shouldn’t be treated as a playground,” warned watch manager Clark.

“Youths should stay away for their own safety.

“It is a major drain on our resources when we may be needed to deal with a genuine life threatening fire.”

The sandstone building is still sound and has now been boarded up again.

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.