Historical pub vandalised three days after takeover

A Grade II listed pub has been vandalised three days after it was reopened by new tenants.

Several windows at the 17th Century Boot Inn on Weymouth Harbour were smashed overnight.

Police said no-one had yet been arrested.

New manager Jack Mcleod, who officially took over the pub from the previous tenants on Monday, said he was "sad and angered" for the community.

He said: "About three or four a.m., [I heard] 'bam, bam, bam'. My dogs started barking crazily.

"The whole front row is damaged and the doorway - about 15-20 leaded windows.

"It's the first time it's happened. It's ironic, because we haven't yet put the CCTV in.

"The community is outraged because there is lots of history here - people have got pics all over the wall."

On Facebook, people said they were "appalled" and "disgusted" by the incident.

One posted that it was "very unusual for this area", while another commented: "What sort of person would cause such an extensive damage to that gem of a building?"

In a statement, Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 05:25 GMT on Thursday 20 February 2025 of criminal damage at The Boot Inn in High West Street in Weymouth.

"Inquiries are being carried out into the incident and no arrests have been made."

Mr Mcleod said pub owner Marston's hoped to reopen it on Friday.

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