Pub landlord shot himself with crossbow - inquest

Aerial footage shows the extent of the damage caused by the fire at the Chequers Inn which an inquest opening heard Mr Appert had started

A landlord died after shooting himself with a crossbow having set fire to his pub, an inquest heard.

Armed officers were called to the Chequers Inn in Wootton, near Bedford, at about 10:15 BST on 19 September.

Sam Silk, coroner's officer for Bedfordshire and Luton, told the inquest that Hervé Louis Appert, 63, had first set the pub on fire.

The landlord, who was French, was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where he was confirmed dead two days later.

The cause of death was given as "traumatic brain injury and severe burns"

When armed Bedfordshire Police arrived at the scene they fired non-lethal rubber bullets as the landlord had a crossbow.

The inquest heard Mr Appert, who was born in Noyers-sur-Cher near Tours, was taken to hospital with second and third degree burns.

Dr Aiysha Choudry confirmed his death at 22:47 on 21 September.

The inquest, in Ampthill, heard the cause of his death was "traumatic brain injury and severe burns".

Emma Whitting, senior coroner for Bedfordshire and Luton, said a pre-inquest hearing would take place on 22 January 2026.

Floral tributes were left close to the scene at the time

Villagers have described the death of Mr Appert and the destruction of the pub as a "big loss".

Bedfordshire Police has said its inquiries were continuing.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is automatic in cases where officers have prior contact with someone who dies later.