Sutton in Ashfield pub fire started deliberately as police launch criminal investigation

A fire at a disused pub in a Nottinghamshire town was started deliberately, police[1] have said. Fire crews were called to the Blue Bell pub inn Mansfield Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield[2] at around 2.38pm on Wednesday, January 5. The historic building was badly damaged in the blaze but no injuries were reported. Signs of forced entry were found[3] at the premises, which has been empty for more than a year, prompting a joint fire and police investigation.

Nottinghamshire Police said this determined that the fire had been started deliberately and have launched a criminal investigation. Detective Inspector James Oakton said the fire at the "well-known" pub has caused "considerable concern in the local community". Get the latest news straight to your phone by joining us on WhatsApp[4]

He added: "We are now satisfied that this fire was started deliberately and are working to identify the person or people responsible. We have already reviewed a very large amount of CCTV evidence and are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry. "To help us further we would like to hear from any additional witnesses who have not already spoken to us.

We would particularly like to hear from any drivers who may have dashcam footage recorded in the area between 2.30pm and 2.45pm. If you remember seeing anyone outside the venue at this time we ask you to review that footage and get in touch with us as soon as possible. "Similarly, if anyone passing by at around this time noticed anything at all out of place then we want to hear from them.

Even the smallest bit of information could make all the difference to this investigation."

References

1. ^ police (www.nottinghampost.com)
2. ^ Blue Bell pub inn Mansfield Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield (www.nottinghampost.com)
3. ^ Signs of forced entry were found (www.nottinghampost.com)
4. ^ Get the latest news straight to your phone by joining us on WhatsApp (www.nottinghampost.com)