Fire at derelict Wellgate pub was arson, police confirm

ARSONISTS were behind a fire which broke out in a derelict pub -  just weeks after a £350,000 cannabis farm was discovered at the site.
Pic: Matt CornellPic: Matt Cornell
Pic: Matt Cornell

ARSONISTS were behind a fire which broke out in a derelict pub - just weeks after a £350,000 cannabis farm was discovered at the site.

The fire at the Masons Arms in Wellgate started at around 3.50am on Wednesday in the upper floor and roof area.

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Four crews were called to tackle the blaze and used a turntable ladder to access the roof and put out the fire, which was today confirmed as deliberate.

A police spokeswoman said: “The fire is believed to have been started deliberately. It has caused extensive damage to the building and its surroundings and resulted in residents being evacuated and roads being closed for a number of hours.

“If you have any information which could help officers establish how the fire started, please call 101 quoting incident 115 of 10 April. You can also go through Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Last month, police discovered a £350,000 cannabis farm at the defunct boozer, which had been put up for sale nine months ago for £175,000.

Two people were arrested but later released.