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Pub badly damaged and dog killed in fire

Essex Fire and Rescue Service A firefighter is standing on the platform of an aerial ladder above the pub. Smoke is coming from the roof, part of which is charred and has collapsed. It is dark and the sky is blackEssex Fire and Rescue Service
Parts of the roof and first floor of the pub were damaged in the blaze

A pub has been badly damaged and a dog has died after a fire broke out in the roof space.

It happened at the Three Horseshoes pub in Three Horseshoes Road, Harlow, at about 21:30 GMT on Thursday.

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said the first floor and the roof of the building had been well alight, and part of the roof had to be removed so crews could reach the affected areas.

Although no injuries to people were reported, the fire service said a dog died at the scene and the damage to the building had left two occupants homeless.

Stuart Woodward/BBC Part of a roof of an old pub. The roof has collapsed on one side, with only charred joists remainingStuart Woodward/BBC
Part of the roof and upstairs accommodation were destroyed

The fire service said when crews arrived, about "30% of the roof was alight and, due to the size of the building, [we] requested support of more crews and Chelmsford's aerial ladder platform".

The fire had to be tackled in sections, and at 23:15 "the incident commander reported that firefighters were removing parts of the roof in sections to allow them to tackle the remaining fire and cool down the affected roof space".

Firefighters from Hertfordshire were also involved in the operation.

The fire service added: "At 03:00... the incident commander confirmed the fire was completely out and the building was cool."

An investigation into the cause of the fire would take place "when it is safe to do so", it said.

Stuart Woodward/BBC Two cars are parked on the pavement outside an old pub. One is a red and yellow fire service vehicle and the other is dark blue or black. There is tape cordoning off the entrance to the pub. The damaged beams in the roof can also be seenStuart Woodward/BBC
The pub remains closed and a cordon is in place

A spokesperson from Star Pubs, which runs the Three Horseshoes, said: "There was a fire in the accommodation area of [the pub] on the evening of 26 December.

"None of the staff or customers were injured.

"The pub is both fire- and water-damaged. It is now closed and has been secured.

"We're unable to say when it will reopen until the extent of the damage and likely repair time is known.

"We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank the emergency services."

Stuart Woodward/BBC Paul Merritt is smiling at the camera and is wearing a black woolly hat and a dark blue cardigan. He is standing in front of the Three Horseshoes PubStuart Woodward/BBC
Paul Merritt had travelled up from Bude, in Cornwall, and was shocked to see his old local partially destroyed

Local resident Marie Merritt, 76, said the pub had been a big part of her adult life.

"My sister had her wedding reception there and my son lived there for two years," she said.

Her memories included "great nights there - good parties".

"My son has just come back up from Cornwall, and to find that - he's quite upset."

Ms Merritt described the news of the fire as "shocking".

She added: "I hope they can save it. I think they will, because it's been in the town for quite a few years.

"It's an old pub - it's part of the history."

Her son, Paul Merritt, 49, who had lived at the Three Horseshoes for two years in the past, said: "It was a big community pub - when I lived in it.

"A fabulous place - good and vibrant - it was a part of my growing up. It's a sad sight.

"I just hope they can repair it and bring it back to its former glory - but the damage is quite extensive."

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