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Pampisford: The Chequers pub destroyed in fire

Cambs Fire and Rescue Fire at The Chequers pubCambs Fire and Rescue
Crews used an aerial platform to fight the flame issuing through the roof

A village pub dating from the 17th Century has been almost completely destroyed by fire.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at The Chequers, Town Lane, Pampisford, Cambridgeshire, at about 23:15 GMT on Wednesday.

Fifty firefighters, including three crews from Essex fought the flames as they spread through the roof which then collapsed.

Cambridgeshire Fire Service confirmed that no-one was injured.

Cambs Fire and Rescue Fire at The Chequers pubCambs Fire and Rescue
The fire started in a flat above the 17th Century inn, the fire service said
Cambs Fire and Rescue Fire at The Chequers pubCambs Fire and Rescue
The roof collapsed in as fire crews from Cambridgeshire and Essex fought the flames

A spokesman said they arrived to find "a well-developed fire in a flat above a pub, with flames and smoke issuing through the roof".

Steve Hubbard/BBC The Chequers pub after a fireSteve Hubbard/BBC
The roof caved in during the fire
Steve Hubbard/BBC The Chequers pub after a fireSteve Hubbard/BBC
This photograph shows a section of the fire-damaged roof timbers
Steve Hubbard/BBC The Chequers pub after a fireSteve Hubbard/BBC
Much of the building has gone, leaving just piles of charred remains

Crews had to work throughout the night to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring thatched properties.

Google The ChequersGoogle
The pub was destroyed in Wednesday night's fire

The Conservative MP for South Cambridgeshire, Anthony Browne, posted on Facebook to say he was "very sad to hear about the terrible damage, and my thoughts are with everyone involved in the running of this much-loved local pub".

The fire service said an investigation into the cause of the fire was under way.

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