Fire rages through the pub

by Peter Barnett

Fire destroyed a derelict pub in Ramsgate early this morning.

The Southwood Tavern in Southwood Road which has been shut for around a year was gutted in the blaze which began at around 5.50am.

Neighbours reported being woken by the soiund of loud "gunpop" type sounds.

One said: "I didn't know what was happening. It was around 5.40am and when I had a look I saw that the fire was taking over the old pub. The gunpop noises were the sounds of cracking timber and bursting glass I expect."

At the height of the fire four pumps from Thanet, Margate and two from Ramsgate were at the scene along with a support vehicle from Dover and Thanet's aerial appliance.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used three jets and three hydrants to tackle the blaze in the first floor and roof of the building. A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Eighty per cent of the building has been destroyed by the fire. The cause is not yet known."

The incident was over at around 8.15am and crews continued to damp down the wreckage in the morning.