Photos show extent of damage to Old Swan Inn in Gargrave after fire

The Old Swan Inn in Gargrave has suffered severe damage and the roof appears to have been completely destroyed.

A man in his 50s was rescued from the roof by firefighters and is in hospital in a critical condition. Police officers responding to a concern for safety spotted the flames at around 6pm on Tuesday.

A structural engineer is assessing the building, which remains unsafe, today.

They can recommend demolition if they believe a fire-ravaged building is unstable and at risk of collapse.

The Old Swan Inn is owned by Tim Sharp and Lindsay Williamson, who took over the business in 2017. They had intended to re-open the pub on Thursday, having run a takeaway and food delivery service during lockdown.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The pub was listed in 1989 and is thought to date from the late 18th century, with some early 19th-century alterations. It occupies a prominent position on the main A65 road to Cumbria and is considered a local landmark.

The owners of the neighbouring Frying Yorkshireman fish and chip shop told customers that they would not open today due to the 'tragic events' at the pub.