Here’s the latest on the Echo Arena Car Park Fire on NYE

A fire engulfed a Liverpool waterfront car park around 5pm on New Years Eve.

As families and revellers descended on waterfront venues to enjoy various shows, bars, restaurants and clubs, a fire ripped through the waterfront car park, adjacent to the Echo Arena, destroying more than 1400 vehicles. The car park was at capacity as the Liverpool International Horse Show was about to kick off shortly after the fire broke out and as all vehicles were affected, many were left stranded in the city as the emergency services from across the North West brought the situation under control.

While roads in the area are now open, a cordon remains in place around the waterfront car park and people are being asked to avoid the immediate location.

Merseyside Police have issued the following statement: “Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Liverpool City Council are reminding anyone with a vehicle affected by the fire not to ring emergency services but to contact your insurance company quoting incident number 650 of 31 December. Thank you for your patience and cooperation while emergency services continue to deal with this incident. Further updates will be issued through @MerseyPolice and on our Facebook page.

The Echo Arena made an official statement via its website at 11:40 this morning stating there were no injuries to people or horses during the incident and have praised the emergency services and local people for their kindness towards those stranded; “We are continuing to work with the emergency services who have worked tirelessly throughout the night to bring the fire under control. We can confirm again that all people and horses are safe and there were no injuries during this terrible incident.

“We are sorry to customers who were due to attend the evening performance of the Liverpool International Horse Show, which was cancelled as a result of the fire, as well as those people whose vehicles were in the car park and who have been affected by this situation. We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding while investigations continue. We are extremely thankful to the emergency services for their efforts. We would also like to thank the people who kindly provided transport for customers to enable them to travel home, as well as Liverpool City Council for establishing a relief centre for those needing shelter.

Anyone who has been affected by the fire at Liverpool Echo Arena and are unable to get home or need temporary shelter, Liverpool City Council has opened a Reception Centre at Lifestyles, Park Road, Steble Street, L8 6QH.

— Echo Arena Liverpool (@EchoArena) 31 December 2017

While the fire has caused distress and havoc for many, it’s a saving grace that no one was hurt. Our thanks go out to the emergency services from Merseyside, Manchester and Lancashire who attended the scene.

For more information about on-going events at the Echo Arena, head to www.echoarena.com or follow @EchoArena on Twitter for updates.