A historic pub destroyed by fire is at the centre of an arson investigation.

Police believe the blaze which ripped through the George and Dragon Pub on Rainow Road, Higher Hurdsfield, was started deliberately.

Officers are now keen to speak to the owner of a white van which was seen parked outside
the pub about 30 minutes before the fire began on Monday, January 19.

Police and fire services were called to fight the flames at 7.46pm on January 19 and evacuated three properties near the scene as a precaution.

Parts of the pub damaged by the fire were 400 years old and once served as a school for privileged girls.

A spokesman from Cheshire Constabulary said: “Detectives are working with the fire investigation to establish the cause of the blaze.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 745 of January 19, 2015. Information can also be left anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.