Investigation underway after 'arson attack' sends pub up in flames

An investigation is underway after a suspected arson attack sent a pub up in flames. Police and fire crews raced to the White Lion pub on Buxton Road, Disley, in the early hours of Saturday morning (September 21).

The blaze, thought to have been started at the back of the pub, then spread to a nearby window before it was put out. Police currently believe it was started deliberately.

An investigation has been launched and anyone with information is being urged to contact Cheshire Constabulary amid ongoing enquiries.

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Once fire crews arrived at the scene, at around 12.42am, the gas and electricity supplies were isolated and the building was searched to ensure nobody was trapped inside.

Detective Sergeant Laura Fox of Macclesfield CID said: “This investigation is in the early stages and we’re doing everything that we can to establish what took place.

“Therefore, we’re urging anyone was in the area at the time and thinks they may have seen anything suspicious to get in touch. The same goes for anyone with any dashcam or CCTV footage which may aid our investigation.”

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service statement added: "Four firefighters in breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets to put out a fire in the cellar of a commercial property.

"Gas and electricity supplies were isolated and a full search of the building was carried out to ensure there was nobody inside and no casualties. Police also attended and an investigation into the cause of the fire is to be carried out by a fire investigator."

Anyone with any information should contact www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML-1920792.