AN ARSON attack has rekindled fears over a dilapidated house left empty for almost 20 years.

Youths torched trees in the overgrown back garden at number 8 Beechwood in Knutsford, left unoccupied for nearly two decades.

Fortunately, a couple living nearby spotted the flames and raised the alarm as the fire broke out at around 11pm.

Knutsford Guardian: Firefighters have confirmed the fire in the garden of the empty house was started deliberatelyFirefighters have confirmed the fire in the garden of the empty house was started deliberately (Image: Public)

“It was quite scary,” said one neighbour, about to go to bed.

“There were very big flames. It could have been much worse.”

Knutsford Guardian: The overgrown back garden at the empty house in Beechwood which overlooks a public footpathThe overgrown back garden at the empty house in Beechwood which overlooks a public footpath (Image: Newsquest reporter)

Police are now investigating after firefighters confirmed that the fire was ‘started deliberately’ and affected a mains electricity pole.

Residents are increasingly worried about the dangers posed by the abandoned house.

Police say they have received approximately 19 reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage at the property, over the past five years.

Knutsford Guardian: There are no slates on the roofThere are no slates on the roof (Image: Newsquest staff)

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “Officers have been working closely with local residents and Cheshire East Council to address the issues and anyone with any concerns is urged to get in touch.”

READ > Residents 'kept awake' by planes landing at Manchester Airport

One resident told The Guardian: “It has become a drug den.

Knutsford Guardian: Guttering is falling off and the fence in the back garden is brokenGuttering is falling off and the fence in the back garden is broken (Image: Newsquest staff)

“We have seen dealing there in the middle of the day.

“We are very distressed about it all as it has got worse.”

Neighbours say they are fed up complaining about the four-bedroom property which has become an eyesore.

Rain seeps into the house as there are no slates on the roof and a temporary tarpaulin covering has disintegrated.

Windows are broken and fascia on the guttering is falling off.

Knutsford Guardian: The front garden is overgrown and neighbours say they have seen rats and foxesThe front garden is overgrown and neighbours say they have seen rats and foxes (Image: Newsquest staff)

Cracks have appeared at the top of the rear gable wall.

A woman living nearby said: “It beggars belief that no one can do anything about it.”

Another man said: “We are fed up complaining. It is an eyesore.”

Knutsford town Cllr Andrew Malloy met with residents and shares their concerns.

Knutsford Guardian: Bags of debris and rubbish litter the front gardenBags of debris and rubbish litter the front garden (Image: Newsquest staff)

The Over councillor said: “A fire is the one thing we all feared.

“The house has really decayed into a terrible state.

“I hope and pray that Cheshire East Council look at all the options to make the owner do something with the property or sell it to someone who will.

“This has been going on for so long and we have been continually pushing for action.

“This fire has now brought it to a head. The site needs to be cleared quickly otherwise there could be another fire.”

In April, Cheshire East Council said they were ‘re-investigating the matter’.

The council has been asked by The Guardian for an update on the investigation.

Residents with any concerns can contact the police at www.cheshire.police.uk/ro.report or via 101.