New drone footage has revealed the full extent of the damage caused by an arson attack at a former County Durham pub.
Pictures show much of the roof at the former Crown and Thistle in Catchgate has been destroyed, leaving only a skeletal framework of blackened timbers standing above the building.
Drone footage taken after the blaze highlights the scale of the destruction, with large sections of the roof completely burned away and the interior exposed to the sky.
The fire broke out at the disused pub on North Road on Thursday afternoon, prompting a major response from emergency services.
Dramatic footage shows the extent of damage at a former pub in County Durham. (Image: PAUL WILLIS)
Residents reported seeing thick smoke billowing across the village, while firefighters used aerial ladder platforms to tackle the blaze and prevent it spreading to neighbouring properties.
Dramatic footage shows the extent of damage at a former pub in County Durham. (Image: PAUL WILLIS)
The latest pictures show two chimneys still standing above the heavily damaged structure, while fencing has been erected around the site.
Dramatic footage shows the extent of damage at a former pub in County Durham. (Image: PAUL WILLIS)
A Durham Police spokesperson said: “An investigation is underway following a fire at a disused pub in Annfield Plain.
“Police were called to the premises in North Road, Catchgate, just before 4.45pm yesterday (October 8).
“Colleagues from the fire service also attended and extinguished the blaze.
Dramatic footage shows the extent of damage at a former pub in County Durham. (Image: PAUL WILLIS)
Read more
Police issue update as 'horrific' fire at derelict County Durham pub treated as arson
Everything we know as 'horrific' blaze tears through derelict County Durham pub
14-year-old boy arrested after 'arson attack' decimates former library
“The fire is being treated as arson. Suspects have been identified and arrest attempts are ongoing.”
The Crown and Thistle, a prominent building in the centre of Catchgate, has been closed since late 2023.
During the incident, residents described the fire as “frightening”, with one witness saying they saw “pillars of smoke” from the opposite side of the village.