Severe damage caused to former pub in Nuneaton

[dutchman]

Firefighters were called to the former King William IV pub, in Coton Road, yesterday morning after flames took hold of the second floor and roof space at around 6.25am.



Smoke could be seen billowing out of the roof and a total of three fire engines and an aerial platform were called to deal with the blaze.

The road was closed off by police between the Coton Arches and Edward Street heading in to the town while fire crews fought back the flames.

A total of three fire engines and an aerial platform were called to deal with what was described as a “very serious fire”.

Watch commander Paul Whittaker, of Nuneaton fire station, said: “As we arrived it was clearly visible that there was a lot of thick black smoke.

“We started dealing with the incident and then more resources were required so we made up to three pumps and also a hydraulic platform was called.

“It was a fully developed fire in the roof space and the also on the second floor. Smoke was the main issue and we potentially had to evacuate residents from Stoneleigh Court next door, but once we got the fire under control quite quickly, we were then just damping down.

“The cause is still under investigation, although as there has been a problem here with squatters, there is the potential that it could have been caused by a discarded cigarette.”

Crews are still currently at the scene ensuring that the building is secure and also damping down any hot spots.

[dutchman]

Nuneaton pub fire was started deliberately



A fire at a derelict Nuneaton pub was started deliberately, fire chiefs have confirmed.

Flames ripped through the former King William IV pub, in Coton Road, on Wednesday morning and the road had to be closed off while fire crews tackled the blaze.

An investigation in to the cause of the fire, which broke out at 6.25am, immediately began and now Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has said that it is believed to be the work of arsonists.

The fire service also stated that their are “regularly inspecting the area, which has also been secured”.

A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: "Following investigations by the fire service, the fire is now being treated as suspicious and lines of inquiry are currently taking place to ascertain what caused the fire."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting incident 51 of August 19.