Major fire at disused Shrewsbury pub the Oxon Priory was 'potentially arson' say police
A major fire which wrecked a popular Shrewsbury pub overnight is being treated as "potentially arson".
West Mercia Police said a "scene guard" remains in place at the Oxon Priory off Welshpool Road as investigations continue into the cause of a large blaze that broke out at around 9pm yesterday (Monday).
Several fire crews were sent to the scene as flames and thick smoke were seen billowing from the building. Members of the public gathered nearby as firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.
The Oxon Priory, once a popular venue particularly among real ale drinkers, was closed in July as Greene King said it had made the difficult decision to shut the pub permanently.
West Mercia Police confirmed it is treating the fire as "potentially arson".
A spokesperson told the Shropshire Star: "Police were called to the Oxon Priory on Welshpool Road in Shrewsbury around 9pm last night (Monday, October 6) due to a large fire at the premises.
"Colleagues from the fire service worked to control the fire and road closures were put in place. Thankfully, no-one was injured.
"The incident is being treated as potentially arson, and a scene guard is in place as officers work with fire investigators to determine the cause.
"Police will be carrying out house-to-house and CCTV enquiries in local area. If you have any information which could help in the investigation, please get in contact by calling 07773 054605."
At around 3pm on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the police told the Shropshire Star that two teenage boys had been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the incident.
An update from the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire began in the roof space before spreading to other parts of the building.
An aerial ladder platform was used to douse the property from above as crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze using hose reel and main jets.
A "relief crew" remained on site this morning to dampen down any remaining hotspots.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service also attended the scene, along with the Highways Agency, due to the pub's location at a busy junction on one of Shrewsbury’s main routes.
No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
