POLICE believe that the devastating fire at The Star Inn at Harome on Wednesday night was started deliberately.

North Yorkshire officers are appealing for witnesses and information after the fire tore through the thatched roof of the 14th century inn on Wednesday night.

Read more: Historic restaurant ‘reduced to ashes' after fire breaks out in thatched roof

It took more than 40 firefighters several hours to tackle the blaze.

Thankfully nobody was injured.

A police spokesman said: "Emergency services were called to the fire at the Star Inn, Harome, just before 10.15pm on Wednesday 24 November 2021.

"Following an examination of the scene by police crime scene investigators and fire investigation officers, it is now believed that the fire was started deliberately.

The Northern Echo:

"A number of groups of people were in the area around the time of the fire, and police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

"Please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference 12210248468, or email peter.day@northyorkshire.police.uk.

"You can also pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or go to their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org

"Officers would like to thank members of the local community for their support, assistance and understanding while the emergency services dealt with the fire."

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