Historic pub badly damaged in blaze

A 17TH century high street pub has been left badly damaged after a fire.

Firefighters were called to the Three Tuns pub in Alcester in south Warwickshire after the blaze at around 3pm on Saturday.

Thick white smoke poured into the sky as the fire raged, and could be seen from miles away.

The incident even forced police to close roads in the area while firefighters tackled the fire.

Crews from Warwickshire, West Midlands Fire Service and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service attended.

Officials say firefighters worked quickly to deal with the fire and ensure the area was safe.

Crews remained at the scene overnight to ensure the fire was fully out.

A spokesman for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews are maintaining a presence at a severe pub fire in Alcester throughout the night.

“Their initial swift and decisive actions prevented the fire spreading to the adjoining buildings. “Thankfully no one was injured.” A post on Warwickshire Police’s Twitter page stated: “Officers are supporting firefighters following a report of a blaze at a property in High Street, Alcester earlier this afternoon.

“Road closures are in place please avoid the area if you can.”

Eyewitness Jason Ewart, 45, said: “I was sitting in the garden and I could see the fire and smoke from the fire.

“I think it started around two hours ago, so around 3pm, as I could hear some of the fire engines going past the house, so that alerted me to what was happening. And then, after that, I started to be able to see the smoke from the building.

“And now two hours later I can still see the smoke coming up in the sky from the pub.

“The police service has cordoned off the middle of the town but there were a few people on the high street [although] it was mainly just full of emergency services.”