Police investigating a suspected arson attack at a disused Nottinghamshire pub have released an image of a man they would like to trace.
Emergency services were called to The Blue Bell Inn, in Mansfield Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, shortly before 2.50pm on Wednesday 3 January when a fire was reported.
The building, which had been empty for some time, was badly damaged in the blaze but no injuries were reported.
A subsequent investigation by Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service determined that the fire had been started deliberately.
Detectives investigating what happened are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry and have now released images of a man they would like to speak with.
Detective Sergeant Matt Scott, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“We are aware of the concern this incident has caused in the community and have been working hard to understand exactly what happened in the moments before and after the fire.
“After reviewing a very large amount of CCTV footage we would like to speak to the man pictured in these images as we believe he may be able to assist with our investigation.
“Whilst the footage of him is not very clear, we believe he will be recognisable to anyone who know him and we aske them to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 376 of 3 January 2024, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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