A major fire has engulfed a Grade I-listed building in Merseyside as local residents have begun lamenting the blaze as a 'travesty' and 'tragic end' to the historic landmark.
Dozens of firefighters have already spent hours tackling the blaze, which erupted on Tuesday evening at the dilapidated Woolton Hall.
Videos and pictures being shared widely online show flames taking hold at the three-storey property in Speke Road, Liverpool, while neighbours have reported seeing the smoke from miles away.
Woolton Hall is one of the oldest buildings in the city and dates back to 1704.
Over the centuries it has been a manor home, a private school and an army hospital.
