Police are investigating reports of arson at the historic Minerva Shrine in Handbridge.

At around 2.20pm on Thursday 20 August, officers received reports of a deliberate fire at the Minerva Shrine, a scheduled monument and Grade I listed building.

While the shrine has not sustained any significant damage, officers are appealing to anyone with any information to contact police as they conduct enquiries into the incident.

It is believed that the fire occurred between Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 August.

Cheshire West and Chester Council confirmed last week that the incident was being treated as a "suspected heritage crime".

PC Jono Lightfoot, of the Rural Crime Team, said: "The Minerva Shrine is a very import piece of our history, and it is sad that someone has chosen to light a fire which could have potentially destroyed it.

"Heritage crime is treated very seriously here in Cheshire and we would like the public to help us in identifying who is responsible for this.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheshire Police via the website, or on 101, quoting incident reference number 26000682633."

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Information can also be submitted anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.