Four people die after intense house fire tears through Bootle

Speaking at the scene, Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle confirmed that four people had died and another person had been taken to hospital following the blaze.

He described the fire as "intense" and said it "spread very rapidly".

Police cordoned off the street this morning.

Fire officers were seen knocking on neighbouring doors.

Fire engines could be seen arriving and leaving the scene.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "We all came out on the front and we could see smoke coming over from the houses.

They added: "The sirens woke me up and there were fire engines in the street."

Another woman said: “I heard shouting in the early hours but I just thought someone was having an argument, then I came downstairs and saw all the fire engines.”

Six fire engines were on scene at the height of the fire.

Upon arrival, eight firefighters entered the house.

They searched for residents and tackled the blaze, a fire service spokesman said.

The fire was still burning when they arrived, they added.

Bootle is a port town in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Merseyside.

It is located just three miles north of Liverpool city centre.

Positioned along the banks of the River Mersey, it serves as a prominent commercial and maritime hub within the wider Liverpool City Region.

Bootle grew rapidly during the 19th century due to its proximity to the Irish Sea and the expansion of the Liverpool Docks.

The town is also well-known for producing several iconic Merseyside football legends.

It is the birthplace of former Liverpool FC captain Jamie Carragher, as well as Steve McManaman and Roy Evans.