Cause of pub blaze a mystery

An investigation into a blaze which devastated a Shropshire pub has been handed over to police after fire experts were unable to find the cause.

Initially there had been suspicions the fire, which ripped through The Waggoner's Inn, at Whixall, near Whitchurch, may have been started deliberately.

But fire chiefs today said the investigation had been passed on to police as they had not been able to establish the cause.

John Harrison, fire investigation officer, said: "It is back in the hands of the police now. Our investigations are inconclusive, but there may be further inquiries."

More than 30 firefighters were called to the scene on January 7, at about 2am, after being alerted to the huge blaze by neighbours.

They spent the night battling the flames and remained on the scene throughout the day to ensure the area was safe.

The pub, which closed at the end of last year, was due to be sold to a couple from the village.

Nick Hardy, pub owner, was left devastated by the incident.

"I'm still waiting on my insurers before I know what's going to happen," he said.

I have had some nice support from local people who have contacted me and been very kind."

"It's certainly a possibility it could still be sold as a drinking pub, but it was a pretty devastating fire.

A fire investigation is also continuing into a blaze which caused extensive damage to the cricket pavilion in Norton-In-Hales, near Market Drayton, on the same day.

A Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman today said no details about the investigation were expected to be released until next week.