A DERELICT pub in Widnes has been gutted in a fire.

A fierce blaze destroyed the former Sporting Ford on Hough Green Road last night.

Police and firefighters attended the fire shortly before 8.30pm last night.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "A small number of people were removed from their homes  as a precaution for a short period of time whilst county fire dealt with the blaze."

Four fire engines attended from Widnes, Penketh, Warrington and Runcorn and an aerial platform from Lymm.
The fire involved a single storey unused commercial building measuring approximately 30 metres by 30 metres. 
On arrival at the scene the fire was well alight and crews used two hose reels, two main jets and two breathing apparatus to tackle the fire.

The team were in attendance for 12 hours 30 minutes

Fire investigators are looking into the cause of the fire.

Residents reported seeing flames and smoke coming from the building beside the William Hill betting shop.

The tangled wreckage of the building has been partially taped off.

Anyone with information can contact  Cheshire Police on 101 and quote incident Number 926 02/03/2018