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Fire in derelict pub in Cross Street, Chatham

A road's been closed as police investigate a suspicious blaze at a derelict pub - which has already been targeted twice by arsonists this week.

Onlookers watched in horror as flames spread throughout the former Juddy's Luncheon Club in Chatham last night.

Firefighters were called to deal with the blaze in Cross Street at around 11.20pm.

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Firefighters tackle the derelict pub fire. Picture Kelly Longman
Firefighters tackle the derelict pub fire. Picture Kelly Longman

They used two main jet hoses to tackle the blaze in the roof of the two-storey property - which is believed to have been targeted by arsonists earlier this week.

But the roof eventually caved in due to the extent of the damage, and the pub is not believed to be salvageable.

Witnesses described hearing bricks falling around the blazing building, which is near Go Outdoors.

VIDEO: Huge fire at derelict pub. Submitted by Matt Kemsley

At its height, there were three fire engines plus a height vehicle on the scene, but this was scaled back just after 1am.

One other fire engine is still standing by this morning.

VIDEO: The extent of the damage can be seen today.

There are no reports of any injuries and the cause of the fire is not confirmed.

A police spokesman said the fire was being treated as suspicious.

The fire is well alight. Picture: Matt Kemsley
The fire is well alight. Picture: Matt Kemsley
Flames are pouring out of the windows. Picture: Matt Kemsley
Flames are pouring out of the windows. Picture: Matt Kemsley

Due to structural damage Medway Council has closed Cross Street to allow the property to be made safe.

The blaze is not the first this week at the pub.

Arsonists are thought to be responsible for setting fires to the derelict pub and restaurant on Tuesday.

How Juddy's looked before the blaze
How Juddy's looked before the blaze

Firefighters were called out twice during one shift - in both cases to rubbish being set alight inside.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said at the time: “We suspect arson and there was a lot of smoke damage, but the building is mostly empty so the fire did not spread."

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