Several are at the scene of a blaze in a town hall in , where flames are "coming out its roof", causing smoke which can be seen from miles away.
Photos from the scene show thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, as onlookers watch on from a safe distance, helpless to do anything. Ten fire engine are currently battling the blaze after the alarm was raised at around 11.55am.
Members of the public have been urged to stay away from the area as the incident continues. A cordon has been erected by Merseyside Police for people's safety.
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One witness said on X: "Just drove past The Meadows and Maghull Town Hall is on fire. Police stopping the traffic. Maghull is at a standstill."
Merseyside Fire and Rescue said in a statement to : "Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance at an incident on Hall Lane, Maghull. Crews were alerted at 11.55 and on scene at 12.09, with ten fire engines and two aerial appliances at scene.
"This is the roof space to a three storey building – Maghull Town Hall, well alight. The incident has been sectorised with firefighters with two main branches fighting the blaze externally in sectors one and two.
"Water supplies have been secured and the aerial appliance is being set up in sector three. are also in attendance maintaining cordons. This is an ongoing incident, please avoid the area."
A spokesman for Septon Council confirmed the building was empty at the time the blaze broke out. They added in a statement: “We are aware of a fire which has broken out at Maghull Town Hall.
“Meadows Leisure Centre has been safely evacuated and we would like to thank our incredible staff for acting swiftly and responsibly to keep our members safe. We are supporting Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service at this time and a number of road closures are in place to help emergency services carry out their roles safely and effectively.
“We urge everyone to avoid the area and nearby residents are advised to keep their windows and doors secured to protect themselves from the smoke.”
