Fire damages pub under renovation

The fire broke out in the early hours

Fire has destroyed an historic Shropshire pub which is shut for renovation.

The Platt Lane crossroads in Whixall near Whitchurch are closed while buildings inspectors examine the Waggoner's Inn.

The blaze broke out at about 0300 GMT, with fire crews from Prees, Wem and Whitchurch attending. An aerial platform from Shrewsbury was used.

The roof, floors, one gable end and a chimney have been severely damaged.

It is not yet known what the caused the fire and an investigation is being carried out.

Andy Brown, Shropshire Fire and Rescue's Incident Commander, said " I think there's four walls and that's about it at the moment."

He said the roof was well alight when fire crews arrived and there were fears that someone may have been inside the building but in fact it was empty.

The aerial platform was used to pour water in through the roof which has been completely burned away.

The crossroads have been closed off because of the danger of falling debris and will not re-open until the building has been declared safe.