A fire which saw emergency services scrambled to the centre of Preston is being treated as a suspected arson.
Contractors working on the 12-14 Avenham Street site to bring the building down called Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service during Saturday afternoon.
Firefighters attended the site – between Church Street and Old Cock Yard – and quickly put out the blaze.
Read more: Former Tithebarn pub fenced off due to falling masonry
Peter Marquis, who is working on the site to bring it down after it was judged as unsafe by Preston City Council in recent weeks, told Blog Preston: “The building had been used by squatters for many years in its derelict state.
“When they were moved out they weren’t happy – for obvious reasons.
“During Saturday afternoon they approached the building from Old Cock Yard and ripped fencing down. They proceeded to light a fire against the back of the building.”
Mr Marquis said the fire was quickly put out – during Saturday afternoon – and a 24-hour guard has now been put on the site.
He said demolition of the building is due to be completed in the coming days.
Fire crews and police were spotted in Church Street and Avenham Street around 3pm on Saturday 12 May – as the fire crews worked around drinkers enjoying a pint out the front of Hopwoods.
Preston Police confirmed they had launched an investigation following the fire. Anyone with information or who witnessed the events leading up to the fire is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 0886 of 10th May.
Blog Preston has contacted Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for more information.
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
