Investigations launched after arson

An arson investigation is launched after a fire breaks out in a listed building that was previously used as a bar.

Emergency services were called to a fire at the former Fat Cat venue on Bridge Street, Northampton, at around 5:30am (BST) on Friday.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “It is currently believed that the fire is most likely the result of deliberate arson. Northamptonshire Police will be launching an arson investigation.”

The disused bar was forced to close following a fire in 2012 and in 2018 plans were submitted to the district council to convert the vacant building into a boutique hotel.

Initially, road users were warned to avoid the area, while Angel Street, Derngate and Victoria Promenade remained closed.

Bridge Street reopened to pedestrians on Friday afternoon and commuters were also able to use all streets around One Angel Square.

While firefighters extinguished the fire, a 500 m (1,649 ft) wide cordon was erected.

Dan Peace of Yellow Bourbon Coffee Roaster said there are usually crowds of people walking past the store.

He added: “But that was replaced this morning (Friday) by paramedics, firefighters and police officers.”

Northamptonshire Police have been contacted for comment.

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