Arson fears in historic Saltaire pub blaze

8:03am Friday 11th April 2008

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Arsonists are suspected of torching Saltaire's historic boathouse pub.

Half of the riverside building, which dates back to 1870, was destroyed in the blaze in the early hours of today.

Firefighters at nearby Shipley got reports of a bush being on fire at 1am but on arrival discovered the building well alight with flames shooting through its roof.

The fire was so severe they had to call for back-up from Bingley.

It is believed it started in the living accommodation part of the single-storey building. No one was in at the time.

Shipley watch manager Steve Farley said: "It is being treated as suspicious. We have got our fire investigators meeting the police's scenes of crime officers later this morning."

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