Blackstock Market 'absolutely devastated' by roof fire

A market and theatre venue said it was "absolutely devastated" after a fire destroyed its roof garden space.

Blackstock Market in Vauxhall, north Liverpool, host of the Hot Water Comedy Club, said the roof garden would be closed for the rest of the year but vowed to overcome what it called a "huge setback".

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said the fire was reported at 02:57 BST on Monday and crews managed to extinguish the flames by 05:15.

No-one was hurt and investigations are under way into the cause of the fire.

A spokesperson for the fire service said four fire engines and an aerial appliance were used to extinguish the blaze, which also spread to a second floor office space.

Blackstock Market shared a photograph of the charred and blackened roof terrace, which only opened last spring, on its social media channels.

A spokesperson wrote: "We've faced many obstacles throughout our 17-year history, and this is another huge setback - but one we will overcome.

"The best way our community can support us right now is simply by continuing to visit, attend shows and support us.

"Your patience, understanding and continued support mean more to us than ever."

The venue said it had contacted all customers with bookings for the roof garden and said it would do everything possible to accommodate large bookings in other areas within the building.

It said the theatre on the mezzanine level was affected by the fire but it hoped it would be able to have it "back up and running as soon as possible".

The remainder of the market remains open as usual.

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