Man taken to hospital after suspected shop arson

A man has been taken to hospital after a suspected arson attack outside a shop in Liverpool.

Emergency services were called to Stanley Park News on Stanley Park Avenue South at about 21:50 BST on Wednesday, Merseyside Police said.

Firefighters arrived within a minute and found the blaze had already been put out by police officers.

The service said minor damage was caused to the shop and one person was treated for slight smoke inhalation by paramedics before being taken to hospital.

Fire crews helped clear smoke from the area before leaving the scene in the hands of police at 22:30 BST.

Detectives said officers remained in the area carrying out house-to-house, CCTV and forensic inquiries.

Det Insp Darren Hankin said police were in the early stages of their investigation and were "keeping an open mind" about the motive.

"Thankfully nobody was seriously hurt but we are determined to find the person responsible as soon as possible," he said.

The force has appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

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