He remains in custody for questioning after emergency services were called at around 4am on Tuesday
A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a beloved Wigan pub.
Firefighters worked to dampen the blaze as large plumes of smoke billowed from the John Bull Chophouse in Wigan town centre after emergency services were called at around 4am on Tuesday (August 4).. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed no one was hurt.
A 44-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of arson, burglary and possession of class A drugs. He is currently in custody for questioning, police say.
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A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Officers responded to reports of a fire at a business property on Coopers Row, Wigan at around 4am this morning (04/08/26).
“Thankfully, no injuries were sustained. One man, aged 44, has been arrested on suspicion of arson, burglary and possession of class A drugs. He remains in custody for questioning
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
Reacting to the blaze, owners of the John Bull, Thwaites, has vowed to restore the pub back to its ‘former glory’. A spokesperson from Thwaites said: “Fire services were called to a blaze at The John Bull Chop House in Wigan in the early hours of the morning.
“While a cause has yet to be confirmed, the fire is now contained, with everyone safe and no injuries reported.
“We’re working closely with the fire and police services to assist with the ongoing investigation, as well as with Pete and Vicky – our tenants at the pub – to offer our full support.
“Whilst it’s very early days, The John Bull Chop House is a much-loved pub in the local community and it’s very much our intention to restore the pub back to its former glory.”
A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At approximately 4am on Tuesday, August 4, four fire engines from Wigan, Atherton and Leigh fire stations were called to attend a fire at a pub on Coopers Row, Wigan.
“Crews arrived quickly and used breathing apparatus, three hose reels, one hose reel jet and other specialist equipment to extinguish the fire.
“Firefighters remain in attendance at this time.” The fire service added no-one was injured.
Wigan Council said on X at 7.28am: “Manchester fire are currently tackling a blaze at the John Bull pub in Wigan. A 50-metre exclusion zone has been set up to keep the public safe. Please avoid the area if possible.”
An update at 8.40am form the council said: “The fire has now been extinguished. The cordon will be lifted shortly.”
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