The owners of a Malvern pub say no-one was hurt as a “devastating fire” ripped through the building.
Emergency services were called just after 6pm last night as a fire took hold at The Bluebell Inn.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the pub's management team said staff not only evacuated all guests safely but managed to protect the listed front part of the pub.
They said the Guarlford Road pub will remain closed for at least the next few weeks, adding that phone lines are down.
“As many of you are aware early this evening, The Bluebell encountered a devastating fire,” the post reads.
“All our guests were evacuated immediately, safely and no one was hurt or injured. Our team did an amazing job and with their swift actions have saved the listed front part of the pub.
READ MORE: Here's what we know so far about Bluebell Inn fire
“The Bluebell will remain closed until further notice and building works and a refurbishment of the damage will start very swiftly.
“We would like to express our thanks for all the kind comments you've sent and messaged. Obviously we are all in complete shock at the moment so we aren't ignoring any private messages.
The Bluebell Inn vows to bounce back from fire
“If you have a booking with us within the next few weeks this is no longer valid as we will remain closed, our phone lines are also currently down.”
“We will be back, bigger, better and stronger.”
A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said six crews - two from Worcester, one from Upton upon Severn, one from Ledbury and two from Malvern - plus the incident command unit from Ledbury, were called just after 6.20pm last night.
“The fire was on the ground floor but had spread to the roof space,” the spokesperson said.
READ MORE: Fire at Malvern pub as it happened
“The fire was fought by two firefighters using breathing apparatus. Two hosereel jets and three 45ml jets were used as well as a triple-extension ladder.
“Positive pressure ventilation was also used. Police attended for crowd control and traffic management with the road closed between Bluebell Close and Guarlford Road.
“There were no casualties. A re-inspection took place at 12am using a thermal imaging camera and the incident was closed at 2.24am.”
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Around 6.50pm yesterday evening (Tuesday, June 21) officers were called to a reported fire at the Bluebell Inn on Guarlford Road, Malvern.
"Police attended for traffic management in support of colleagues from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue."
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