Huge pub damage bill feared

A landmark north Shropshire coaching inn has been ransacked by raiders who went on a wrecking spree leaving its owners with a huge repair bill.

Bosses at the Corbet Arms in High Street, Market Drayton, say the culprits made "a real mess", smashing lights and damaging the interior.

Police have said it was broken into between about 5pm on October 1 and 11.55am on Monday.

The attack, in which nothing appeared to have been stolen, has left the owners facing a substantial repair bill.

The Corbet Arms, which has been boarded up while the owners set about refurbishing the interior, was bought for about £200,000.

Owners said it could become a hotel and restaurant under ambitious £500,000 refit plans, which included giving the ballroom a new lease of life.

Arif Shah, who is set to run the inn after it was bought by his brother Maroof in August, said: "I don't know what they were doing inside but they've made a real mess and we are not very happy because it's an important place for this town."

Maria Hawkaluk, police spokeswoman, said today: "Two 13-year-old boys were arrested yesterday in connection with the incident and admitted their involvement.

One received a police reprimand and the other has been released on police bail pending assessment by the youth offending team. Further arrests are expected."