Overview
- The blaze broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4, and firefighters from Wigan, Atherton and Leigh stations were called to the John Bull Chop House on Coopers Row.
- Crews used breathing apparatus and multiple hose reels to fight the fire, a 50-metre exclusion zone was put in place, and the council later confirmed the blaze was extinguished with no injuries reported.
- On-scene reports and photos show damage concentrated at one end of the Grade II-listed building, including melted window frames, charred walls and a partially caved-in roof.
- Greater Manchester Police arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of arson, burglary and possession of class A drugs; the man has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
- Owner Thwaites said it will work with emergency services and the pub’s tenants to assist with the investigation and aims to restore the historic venue for the local community.