Friendly fire?

Across Herne Bay there are arched eyebrows, knowing looks, thoughtful "hmmm's" and I-told-you-so's.

The very thorough fire that gutted the Bun Penny in the small hours of 1st September was no accident.

The Kent Fire experts have decided that "an accelerant" was involved, so Kent Police are treating it as arson, and are asking for witnesses... see below for details.

What next for The Burnt Penny? Clearly it's a shell, but it's unclear whether the shell is solid or unsafe. Is it worth keeping or restoring? It's a prime location, but hadn't (apparently) been very successful as a pub for a while. Any and all suggestions welcome.

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Kent Police has confirmed that it is treating a blaze which severely damaged the Bun Penny pub in Central Parade, Herne Bay, as arson. The building was empty at the time and no-one was injured in the blaze. The fire was discovered at about 1am on Thursday 1 September. Detective Inspector Nick Greenan said:

'Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s fire investigation team have now completed their report and we are satisfied the fire was started deliberately using an accelerant.'

Were you in the area on Wednesday night?

'We are appealing for anyone who was in the area on Wednesday night and saw someone going to or leaving the building to contact us immediately. Because an accelerant was used to start the fire it is likely it took hold fairly quickly so the crucial times are between about midnight and 1am.'

Can you help?

If you have information phone Kent Police on 01622 690690 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime number EY/14335/11.