Ten children escaped unhurt as firefighters tackled a 12-hour blaze at the disused gym in Rainhill

A 12-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a fire that ripped through a derelict gym in Merseyside. The fire, which broke out shortly after 8pm on Saturday, engulfed the former Scott Clinic building on Rainhill Road, Rainhill, forcing a group of young teenagers to flee for safety.

Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a blaze at the abandoned site, where ten children — aged between 12 and 13 — had entered the building. Thankfully, all of them managed to escape uninjured and did not require medical attention.

Police described the escape as “fortunate” and warned that the outcome could have been far more serious.

Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest of a 12-year-old boy on suspicion of arson and intent to endanger life. He has since been released on bail while investigations continue.

Firefighters from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spent nearly 12 hours tackling the flames, which caused what police termed “significant damage” to the already dilapidated structure. Smoke from the blaze was visible across the surrounding area, prompting concern from local residents.

Detective Inspector Richie Shillito said the incident was being treated as arson and issued a stark warning to parents. “Thankfully nobody was injured during this incident, but we know this could have had a very different outcome,” he said.

“I would urge parents and guardians to please speak to their children and warn them of the dangers of playing inside derelict buildings. These sites are often unstable, dangerous and not designed to be accessed — particularly by young people.”

He added that police were treating the fire with “utmost seriousness” and appealed to anyone with information to contact authorities “as a matter of urgency.”

The Scott Clinic site has been derelict for several years and has reportedly become a hotspot for trespassers and urban explorers. Locals have voiced growing concerns about safety, especially after repeated incidents of break-ins and vandalism. Saturday’s fire has now reignited calls for increased security measures or demolition of the building altogether.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “We’ve been worried about that place for a long time. Kids keep getting in — it was only a matter of time before something like this happened.”

Rainhill Parish Council has previously raised concerns with property owners and local authorities about securing the site, but no long-term solution has been implemented. Now, with police confirming the fire is being investigated as arson, pressure is mounting to act.

The children who were inside the building at the time of the fire have not been formally identified, and it is unclear whether they had entered as a group or separately. Police have not disclosed whether any other individuals are under investigation.

Anyone with relevant information — including witnesses, CCTV footage, or social media posts from the area — is urged to contact Merseyside Police via 101 or through Crimestoppers, anonymously.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities continue to remind the public of the very real dangers posed by entering abandoned buildings, particularly for young people unaware of the structural risks and the potential for life-threatening consequences.