A FIRE at the former Croft pub in Runcorn is being treated as arson.

Shortly before 1.30am this morning, Tuesday, nine fire engines, including three relief crews, attended after firefighters were called to reports of a fire at the disused pub in Halton Lodge Avenue, Runcorn.

On arrival crews found the former Croft pub well alight.

Once firefighters, who were in attendance for 11 hours, were satisfied that the fire was fully out, having completed a thorough inspection of the building using a thermal imaging camera, they handed the incident over to the police and the structural engineer.

A structural engineer attended to assess the building.

An investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.

Detective Constable Amanda Antrobus, of Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: “A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service investigation into the cause of the fire has not yet been complete. “However, at this stage the fire is being treated as suspicious and an investigation has been launched by the team here at Runcorn LPU. “The fire caused extensive damage to the building but thankfully no-one was injured as a result of this incident. “The consequences of the blaze have been far worse – fire spreads quickly and can endanger lives as well as properties."

Anyone with any information or footage relating to the fire should call Cheshire Constabulary on: 101 quoting IML 713988 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.