Two charged with arson after pub destroyed by fire

The Green Man pub in Clophill was severely damaged by fire in December 2022

Two men have been charged with starting a fire that destroyed a pub shortly before Christmas.

The Green Man in Clophill, Bedfordshire, was severely damaged on 21 December 2022.

Eight people were evacuated and taken to hospital following the blaze, which broke out at 22:40 GMT.

Tony Button, 48, from Kempston and Ian Chalmers, 66, from Campton, have both been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

Eight people were taken to hospital after the blaze

They appeared at Bedford Magistrates' Court on 8 February and are due back in court for a plea hearing on 11 March.

In January 2023, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had most likely been caused by a Christmas tree being placed too close to an open fireplace.