Historic Dunstable pub destroyed in arson attack

A thatched pub in Dunstable has been destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

The Norman King pub in Church Street, Dunstable started at around 00:15 on Thursday.

The thatched building was undergoing refurbishment and luckily was empty when the fire broke out.

Bedfordshire Police said the incident was being treated as arson.

30 people from a neighbouring hotel were evacuated due to the large amount of smoke. No one was injured in the incident.

Dave Fothergill from the fire service said: “The fire had spread very quickly by the time we got there, and the fire fighters had to work extremely hard to remove the burning thatch fro the roof to save the building, as well as neighbouring properties threatened by the severe fire. Having the two aerial platforms from Bedford and Luton fire stations proved to be invaluable. We were able to place them above opposite corners of the building and this gave us great coverage to tackle the fire, as well as the opportunity to see the extent of the fire spread, so that we could tackle the fire where it was most needed.”

An investigation into the cause of the fire will now be carried out.