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Historic pub 'devastated' in suspected arson attack

Lynette HorsburghNorth West
News imageClaire Hannah Images shows inside a pub after a fire. The open staircase, walls and both the ground and upstairs show smoke damage with daylight coming in part of the roof damaged by the blaze.Claire Hannah
The John Bull Chophouse was badly damaged in the blaze

A historic pub badly damaged in a suspected arson attack was the "greatest pub on Earth", a regular who has set up an appeal to save it has said.

The fire broke out at the John Bull Chophouse on Coopers Row in Wigan town centre in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

A 44-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of arson, burglary and possession of Class A drugs, Greater Manchester Police said.

Musician Joe Astley, who set up a fundraiser to "get the pub back on its feet", said the fire which had left regulars "devastated", adding: "It was more than a pub - it was a community."

Astley has been going in the John Bull for more than a decade and played gigs there as well as hosting open mic events.

He said it was the busiest pub in the town and the landlords and staff were "like family".

"I love it. The music, the atmosphere. It's a community," the 30-year-old said.

"There was no greater feeling than going in there on a Saturday night and everyone singing along to the legendary jukebox."

News imageClaire Hannah Image shows fire damage to the inside of a pub. A retro jukebox is on the right with the wall, radiator and carpet showing smoke damage. Claire Hannah
The damage to the pub's "legendary" jukebox was "heart-wrenching", one regular said

He described seeing images of the damage as "heart-wrenching", especially to the "world famous" jukebox.

"It had all the greatest records and you always heard something new," he said.

He said his social media feed had been full of people heartbroken at the news.

"It is a really special pub. It is more than a pub, it's a way of life," he said.

Astley said the response to the appeal had been "incredible", raising almost £7,000 in its first day and showing how Wiganers have a "big heart and look out for each other".

News imageClaire Hannah Images shows inside a historic pub after a fire - from the top of the stairs on the first floor. It shows damage to the wooden banister and gaps in the roof caused by the blaze.Claire Hannah
More than £7,000 has already been raised by the community towards repairs

Greater Manchester Police said officers responded to reports of a fire at the pub at about 04:00 BST and inquiries were ongoing.

"Thankfully, no injuries were sustained," the force said.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said four fire engines attended for 14 hours and an investigation was continuing.

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