Villagers shocked after pub fire and crossbow death

Floral tributes have been left close to the scene

Villagers have expressed shock after their pub landlord died after a fire and a "self-inflicted injury", believed to have been from a crossbow.

Specialist officers and negotiators from Bedfordshire Police were called to the Chequers Inn in Wootton, near Bedford, at about 10:15 BST on Friday. Shortly after emergency services arrived, a fire broke out – which completely destroyed the pub.

The landlord who died has been named locally as Louis Appert, who was French.

Jo Woods, 51, who has lived in the village all her life said the news was a "complete shock" and would be a "big loss" to Wootton.

Aerial footage shows the extent of the damage caused by the fire at the Chequers Inn on Hall End Road

Police said they were called out due to "concerns for the welfare of a man".

"At around 12:45, the man exited the premises before sustaining self-inflicted injuries," the force said.

He was taken to hospital and died there on Sunday.

Local resident Ms Woods, said when she head the news, she "couldn't believe it - I didn't want to believe it".

"I think there is shock in the village, of understanding what has happened and why, but I think everyone will help each other and get through it," she said.

Ms Woods said she had been to many events and parties over the years at the pub and the same was true of many other residents.

The death of the landlord and the destruction of the Chequers Inn would be a "big loss", she added.

Jo Woods who regularly visited the pub said the news was "a complete shock"

Another former patron of pub, who did not give his full name, said he was "completely shocked" and he felt "numb" when he arrived for a drink with his wife to be greeted by the site of police cars.

"I know Louis adored the locals that would come here - he was such a welcoming French gentleman."

Another resident, who also did not want to give his full name, said it was "so sad... a real nice guy, he was".

"I feel gutted, really gutted to be honest," he added.

Bedfordshire Police said its inquiries were continuing.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is automatic in cases like this.

Police were called to the Chequers Inn in Wootton on Friday morning