Landmark pub could be demolished after blaze

The devastating blaze, believed to be arson, ripped through the former pub and restaurant in Manchester Road in the early hours of Monday morning.

Five fire crews from across Lancashire battled the blaze for several hours.

However, such was the level of damage that most of the building could now have to be demolished.

The former Ashoka restaurant section of the building escaped serious damage in the blaze.

Planning permission was granted last year to turn the former pub and Indian restaurant into an Italian eaterie.