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Teenager arrested following arson at derelict pub

Bea Swallow
BBC News, Bristol
John Wood A large plume of white smoke rises from the roof of a pub. It is early evening and the sky is a light blue. There is a large tree on the right.John Wood
About 30 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a blaze tore through a derelict pub.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to the former Farriers Arms building on Fishponds Road in Bristol, at about 19:45 on 20 June.

Following an investigation, Avon Fire and Rescue Service said it was believed the fire was started deliberately.

Acting Insp Luke Keenan, of the Bristol East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said they are "keeping an open mind" as to whether the incident is linked to several other fires in the surrounding areas in recent times.

The teenager has since been released under investigation.

Google The derelict pub photographed from inside the courtyard. It shows a yellowing building with boarded up windows and doors, and an overgrown patio.Google
The Farriers Arms closed in October 2010 and has remained derelict ever since

The pub, which opened in 1872, is currently owned by the Morrisons supermarket located next door after the land was sold in the 1980s as part of a package deal.

Following the fire, police conducted extensive inquiries including reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.

Mr Keenan said these inquiries are still ongoing and has appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Google An empty, derelict looking building on the corner of a street. It is covered in posters and graffiti.Google
The pub, pictured here before the fire, is owned by the Morrisons supermarket next door

"We hope the news of last week's arrest reassures people in east Bristol that our investigation into the pub fire is progressing," he said.

"There have been several other fires in the surrounding areas in recent times and we are keeping an open mind as to whether any of these incidents are linked."

He added the force was "committed to working with the community" to reduce incidents related to antisocial behaviour.

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