Police have launched an investigation after an arson attack on a former car dealership in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Fire crews from Hanley, Newcastle and Sandyford were sent to the former Lymedale Motors and V12 Sports & Classics site on the A34 after the fire service was alerted to the incident at 8:31pm on Tuesday (15 July).

No one was injured and the fire seems to have centred around a fencing panel which was used for some of the old signage. The fire did not spread to the main building and was fully extinguished by the fire service a few hours later.

Today the site was seen cordoned off with police tape and Staffordshire Police has now launched an appeal to track down the arsonists responsible.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "We are appealing for information following a deliberate fire in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

"We were called to Liverpool Road at 8.40pm yesterday (Tuesday 15 July) following reports of a large fire.

"Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"Thankfully, nobody was reported injured."

Anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage of the area of the time is urged to get in touch with Staffordshire Police. Call 101, quoting incident 711 of 15 July, or use Live Chat on its website.

Alternatively, to report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.