Police believe that a fire at a derelict building in Congleton earlier today was started deliberately.

Nub News reported that firefighters attended Moody Street following report of a fire shortly after 2.15pm.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.

"At this stage it is believed that the fire may have been started deliberately."

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building and found a fire measuring approximately three square metres in a first floor room.

They used a high pressure hose reel jet to put out the fire.

Firefighters also cut away parts of the room affected by the fire, including floorboards.

In addition, firefighters wearing respirators conducted a thorough search of the building to make sure that the fire had not spread beyond the room.

A thermal imaging camera was used to look for hotspots.

The electricity supply to the building was isolated and once firefighters were satisfied that the premises was safe they handed the incident over to the police.

Firefighters were in attendance for around two-and-a-half hours.

Three fire engines attended, one from Congleton, Holmes Chapel and Macclesfield.

Anyone with any information about the fire should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 719549, or give the details via Cheshire Police's website.