AN investigation has been launched into a suspected arson attack on a former landmark pub.

Police said there were attempts to start two fires inside the Aclet in Bishop Auckland – which earlier this year was the subject of a failed community bid to stop its closure.

The blaze at the derelict Watling Street building started during the early hours of Boxing Day morning.

The cause is being treated as suspicious.

It took 26 firefighters several hours to extinguish and left the building severely damaged, with most of its windows broken and the interior blackened.

Detective Constable, Tom Edward, of Bishop Auckland CID, said the fire started inside the pub sometime before 2.50am.

He said: “The premises have been sold and it’s empty but secure. It appears there’s been attempts to start two fires within and substantial damage has been caused.”

In June The Northern Echo reported how the community lost a long-running campaign to save the pub from being sold and converted into a Spar store.

Residents of Woodhouse Close tried to block the sale, arguing a clause in the 1966 deeds sought to protect it as a ‘hotel and licensed victualler’.

However, a judge ruled against them.

The pub had not yet been converted into a shop but neighbours said they had been shocked at events.

Michael Rudd, who lives opposite and grew up on the estate, said he was woken by the commotion.

“I couldn’t see any flames but heavy smoke blowing over the road," he said.

“It’s been boarded up, so I imagine they had a struggle getting in.

“I used to use the pub years ago and I was sad when it closed because I was born and bred on the estate. It’s a shame.”

Fire crews from Bishop Auckland, Crook, Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor rushed to the scene at about 2.50am while the aerial ladder from Darlington was also requested to tackle the “serious” fire.

A spokesman for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said: "Crews worked extremely hard in gaining access to the disused building and extinguishing a well-developed fire.”

Together with the fire service, Durham Constabulary’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit were also examining the scene.

John Walkden, emergency response manager for CDDFRS, praised the crews for reaching the scene quickly but said it may take time to establish the exact cause.

“We are treating it as unknown," he added."It was quite a challenge for the firefighters to gain entry with it being so secure.”

Anyone with information in connection with the fire should call Bishop Auckland CID on 101 quoting quote crime reference number DHM-2612-2017-0043.