'Lives were put at risk': Investigation launched as fire destroys Stafford's Westway pub
[gallery] An investigation was under way today into the cause of a a major fire destroyed Stafford's Westway pub, which officers said put lives of neighbours at risk.
Forty firefighters tackled the blaze at the pub on Westway in Highfields just before 7pm last night.
Firefighters from Stafford and Lichfield were at the scene today daming down.
At the height of the blaze, which sent smoke and flames into the night sky, crews from Stafford, Gnosall, Penkridge, Stone, Eccleshall, Rugeley, Rising Brook, Longton and Lichfield were called in.
The fire spread over two floors of the building, and the damage caused the roof to collapse, and neighbours were evacuated.
Group Manager Brian Griffiths said: "This was a very severe fire which tore through the derelict pub, completely destroying the building.
"It was located in the middle of a densely populated housing estate, putting lives at risk and leading to an evacuation of the area.
"Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night and well into the early hours of this morning to bring the blaze under control. A joint investigation is being carried out this morning between the police and the fire service to determine the cause."
