Firefighters were called to a derelict pub in High Town Road in a case of suspected arson last night (March 13).
Police are looking for a man who was seen close to the Railway Tavern carrying a large metal can around the time of the incident,
Crews attended pub, which has recently been undergoing refurbishment, at 11.11pm and the blaze was under control just after midnight.
There was nobody in the building at the time of the fire and no one was injured, but a significant amount of damage has been caused to the building.
Det Con Steve Francis said: “Investigations are still on-going relating to the cause of the fire but at this time we are treating this incident as suspicious and a full investigation has been launched.
“We believe a man described as white wearing a black zip up jacket or hooded top with a white logo on the left hand side of the chest, dark coloured trousers and a light baseball cap underneath his hood, was seen in the area close to the tavern carrying a large metal can.
“It is vital to this investigation that we identify this person and anyone who saw or knows the identity of this man is urged to come forward and speak with the police, in confidence. We also believe there were several other members of the public including motorists who may have been in the area at the time of the fire and we would also encourage them to come forward to speak with officers.”
Scenes of crime officers and fire investigation officers have been at the scene today conducting a forensic examination of the area and enquiries.
Anyone with information relating to this incident can contact Det Con Francis at Luton Police Station on 01582 394316, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.
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