FIREFIGHTERS have issued a stark warning after arsonists broke into a disused former youth club building in Chester and started a blaze inside.

A crew were called to the fire at the property on Wealstone Lane, Upton, at 2.51pm on Friday, July 16.

Chester Fire Station said: "Red Watch attended a fire in an unused building, This building was gained entry too and a fire lit inside.

"Lighting fires deliberately is illegal and dangerous.

"Our crews could be utilised elsewhere attending life-saving incidents."

Councillor Jill Houlbrook posted on social media yesterday: "An update from Cheshire Fire on the incident at the Youth Club building have just spoken to Fire Control.

"We attended a small deliberate fire in this insecure building and dealt with it quickly. We have since handed it over to a Council representative and left the scene.

"Hopefully they are arranging for the building to be secured as once arsonists start to target a building they tend to return.

"Our Fire Protection department have also been informed and will pick it up early next week to see what progress has been made."