Demolition to begin at fire scene

The blaze damaged Yates's Wine Lodge and surrounding businesses

A famous pub which was severely damaged when a suspected arson attack ripped through Blackpool town centre, will be demolished later.

Yates's Wine Lodge, a pet shop and other properties were engulfed by the fire in an alley between Clifton Street and Talbot Square on Sunday.

At its height, about 100 firefighters were at the scene. A 21-year-old man has been arrested over the incident.

The fire service said the pub would "either fall down or be pulled down."

Crew manager Mark Warwickshire from Lancashire Fire and Rescue said three fire engines were still at the scene dealing with pockets of the fire.

Structural engineers, together with Blackpool Council, decided parts of the pub would be bulldozed because it was unsafe.

'Very severe'

A further structural examination was taking place later to decide if more of the site needed to be demolished.

Seven people, including a baby, had to be moved from nearby properties during the fire, which was in an area full of bars and restaurants.

Three people were treated for smoke inhalation but there were no reports of any injuries.

Reports that all animals in Blackpool Aquaria and Pet Supplies, next to the pub, had perished in the blaze could not be confirmed because firefighters had yet to enter that property.

The pub had recently received £500,000 refurbishment.

A cordon will continue to be in place and be extended as demolition work begins.

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