A MAN has been arrested after a flat was reportedly set on fire and car headlights were smashed in Birkenhead.

At around 5.30am this morning (Wednesday, November 4) emergency services received a report that a flat was on fire on Laird Street in Birkenhead.

It was also reported that a man was seen smashing the headlights of a car with a baseball bat.

No injuries were reported.

The man made off but was detained nearby and found in possession of a knife.  

A 45-year-old man from Birkenhead was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and theft of a motor vehicle.

He is still in police custody to be questioned.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “A joint investigation between Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Police is ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact police. 

“CCTV and witness enquiries are being carried out, and anyone with any information is asked to contact police.

“Anyone in the area with information, CCTV or dashcam can contact us on 101 or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 24001020648.

"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”