Arson is suspected in a recording studio fire in Liverpool city centre

Jul 6 2009 by John Siddle, Liverpool Daily Post

ARSONISTS may be to blame for a blaze which sent smoke billowing over Liverpool city centre.

A community recording studio in Parr Street was devastated by the fire which destroyed thousands of pounds of equipment – including computers and mixing desks –and threatened to engulf nearby businesses.

Flames swept through the studio, based in former Greek restaurant The Parthenon, and spread to an adjoining builders’ merchants and garage.

Seel Street, Parr Street, Slater Street and Fleet Street were all cordoned off by the emergency services at 4.10pm on Saturday.

It left motorists facing city centre traffic chaos.

Hordes of bystanders watching the fire were moved back by officers who feared the smoke could contain traces of asbestos.

Onlooker Pete Carr, a photographer, said: “At first I thought it was nothing in particular but then it started to really get going. It sounded like there were firecrackers going off inside.

“You could feel the heat and soon all of the roof was exposed.”

“Police said there was asbestos and told people to stand back but everyone in the pubs on Slater Street were stood outside with their pints in their hands watching it.”

Crews spent five hours fully extinguishing the blaze with flames at one point just feet away from trendy bar Alma de Cuba.