ARSONISTS have caused 'extensive damage' to Winsford Lifestyle Centre on Wednesday evening, police have confirmed.

Shortly before midnight on Wednesday, June 7, emergency services were called to reports of a fire outside Winsford Lifestyle Centre, The Drumber, Winsford.

Officers from Cheshire Police, and colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, swiftly attended the scene to find that a bike shed at the front of the building was well alight.

As a result of the fire, the bike sheds have been totally destroyed and extensive damage has also been caused to the exterior of the front of the building.

A spokesman for Cheshire West and Chester Council said the building will still be used as planned for this evening's General Election count.

Cheshire Police are now appealing for information following the attack.

Ch Insp Simon Meegan said: “Winsford Lifestyle Centre is a valued community facility which is used by thousands of people on a weekly basis, yet these unscrupulous offenders have taken it upon themselves to set fire to the facility for no other reason than mindless vandalism.

“Not only was this incident a waste of both police and fire resources, but it will also cost taxpayers thousands of pounds to repair the damage.

"Thankfully, despite the damage that has been caused to the exterior of the building, the centre has been able to open as normal today.

“I urge anyone with any information in relation to the fire to contact the team here at Northwich on 101 so that the offenders can be brought to justice.”

Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing and officers are following a number of lines of enquiry, including speaking to local residents and analysing CCTV footage.

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 1118 of 7/6/2017.

Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestopper on 0800 555 111.