Police believe pub fire near Helmsley was started deliberately
The Star Inn at Harome has been completely destroyed by a blaze in the early hours of Thursday morning (25 November) @sierra18NY
Last updated 26th Nov 2021
Police investigating a serious fire at a pub near Helmsley have said initial enquiries suggest it was started deliberately.
A blaze broke out late on Wednesday night (24 November) in the thatched roof of The Star Inn at Harome - with flames completely destroying the 14th century building.
At the peak of the fire, nine fire engines were tackling the blaze.
The owner of the pub - Andrew Pern - described the incident as 'devastating'.
North Yorkshire Police have since launched an investigation into the fire and appealing for witnesses and information about the incident.
Following an examination of the scene by police crime scene investigators and fire investigation officers, it’s now believed that the fire was started deliberately.
We're told police now want to speak to a number of groups of people who were in the area around the time of the fire.
Officers are now urging anyone with information about the incident to contact them.