PICTURES AND VIDEO: Five fire crews tackle blaze at empty Telford pub

Police sealed off Lion Street in Oakengates as five fire crews took on the flames at The Claddagh pub, which has been closed and empty for nearly two years.

The cause of the fire is not yet known. A worker for Oakengates Car Centre, located in a portable building next door to the pub, said he called 999 after seeing smoke coming from the building.

"I was a bit surprised to see how many fire engines and firemen turned up to be honest," he said. "We smelt it first, then we looked out and saw smoke billowing out. But it didn't look anything major. If anything we even contemplated going in ourselves with a fire extinguisher to put it out before we called the emergency services."

Another worker added: "It's been empty probably two years up to this November. There are always kids coming in and out of it, on the roof, mucking about. All the lead has been nicked and it's in an absolutely disgusting state inside."

A spokeswoman for Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service said the fire had broken out in the basement of the two-storey pub. She said: "The fire spread from the basement into the ground and first floors. There were several pockets of fire and we had five pumps in attendance and specialist crews cutting away and damping down."

The fire service was called at 2.35pm yesterday and crews from Telford Central, Wellington, Shrewsbury, Albrighton and Tweedale were dispatched. Lion Street was closed to traffic while the fire was tackled, with police officers diverting cars.

A spokesman for Andrew Dixon & Co estate agents, which is marketing the pub for sale, said it had been up for £225,000. He added: "We were informed of the fire but we haven't been able to get hold of the owner yet, although I understand the police are also trying."