Police aiming to trace person found sleeping in garden after arson at pub in Stewkley
Police are aiming to trace a person who was found sleeping in the walkway of a pub garden following an arson in Stewkley.
Police and firefighters were called to The Swan pub in Chapel Square in the village on Saturday December 20 after a fire was discovered in the walkway area in the pub’s garden by a man in his thirties.
The blaze went on to spread to the pub’s kitchen.
Bucks Fire and Rescue confirmed that fire crews based at West Ashland and Winslow were called to the pub at 6.40am on December 20.
The fire in the kitchen was out when firefighters arrived, with crews using a thermal imaging camera and small gear, and helping to ventilate the building.
The pub was able to open as scheduled on December 20, but was unable to serve food at lunchtime.
The man was uninjured, while the pub posted in a message on its Facebook page on the day of the incident that ‘everyone is safe.’
Police are now conducting a ‘thorough investigation’ into the incident, which we first reported yesterday.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Arina Matvejenko said: “As part of our investigation to work out the circumstances of this offence, I am appealing to anyone that may have witnessed anything or has information that may help to please get in touch.
“We are also appealing to the individual was found sleeping in the walkway area in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, who may be able to assist us with our investigation.
"If you were driving around this area between 1am and 7am on Saturday and may have dash cam footage, please contact us. If you live locally and have video doorbell or CCTV footage, please come forward.”
Police are urging anyone with information or footage of the incident to contact them via the 101 number quoting the reference number 43250644814.
Alternatively, information can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.