Pub fire probe by officers

Tuesday 1st September 2009, 12:50PM BST.

Investigations have begun after a disused pub in north Shropshire was gutted by fire.

Firefighters were called to the Horse and Jockey in Church Street, Whitchurch, at 5.40am on Sunday.

Watch manager Mike Beach, of Whitchurch Fire Station, said the pub had been disused for two or three years and said the fire was being treated as being of “doubtful origin”.

“It had obviously been started in two places in two separate areas,” he added.

“The building was completely smoke-logged when we got there we didn’t know if there was anybody in there,” he said.

Crews from Whitchurch, Prees, Wem and Audlem attended.

Richard Ewels, police spokesman, said the incident was being treated as arson because at least one of the fires appeared to have been started deliberately.

He said the pub appeared to have been broken into between 2.30am and 3.30am.

Anyone with information is urged to call Whitchurch police on 03003 333000.



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