POLICE have issued a stark warning after a care home and anti-social behaviour hotspot in Leftwich was gutted by fire.

Officers from South Northwich beat team warned of the risks of entering the fire-ravaged building on Old Hall Road, which they say is now ‘more dangerous’ than ever.

Seven fire crews rushed to the one-time Cheshire West and Cheshire Council  (CWAC) 30-bed care home at 6.07am on Wednesday, November 27.

Despite best efforts of firefighters, the building suffered ‘extensive damage’, according to police.

The force also said it had received reports ‘youths’ entered the building the night before the fire broke out.

This is despite ongoing effort from CWAC and the police to make the building secure.

The home, which closed permanently in July 2021, was dubbed an 'anti-social behaviour hotspot' in September after a spate of break-ins and criminal damage. 

Police are asking anyone of witnesses someone trying to access the building illegally, or has any information about the fire on November 27, to contact PCSO Lee Robertson on lee.robertson@cheshire.police.uk, or by calling 101.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police’s South Northwich beat team said: “The building is now more dangerous due to the damage the fire has caused.

“CWAC is making the building secure again, but we do ask , if you know of, or hears of anyone linked to the building, please advise them to stay away.

“We do not want anyone putting themselves at risk by gaining access to this building.

“On Tuesday, November 26, we received reports of youths who had gained access, once again, after the building had been made secure for their own safety.

“This may have led to this morning’s fire inside the building.

“If anyone has any information about this, please get in touch.”