Popular Ayrshire pub set alight as 'callous' firebugs target venue

The Kings Arms in Fenwick was set ablaze before local residents alerted the fire brigade who managed to prevent any major damage.

A popular East Ayrshire pub was targeted by firebugs overnight.

The Kings Arms in Fenwick was set ablaze before local residents alerted the fire brigade who managed to prevent any major damage.

The Main Road pub was taken over by new owners just weeks before the coronavirus pandemic forced it to close.

And now it will need to be worked on to combat any fire damage that may have been caused.

They are appealing for anyone who has any information about the fire to come forward.

The owners posted on Facebook saying: "It’s with absolute heartfelt sadness we have to make a post like this.

"As a lot of you will be aware there was a fire at the back of the pub last night. This was a deliberate attempt to set the pub on fire.

"There was no major damage done but that could have been a very different story if not for the aid of some residents of the village for seeing this and alerting the emergency services.

"We can not think for one minute why someone would attempt this other than a sheer act of callous vandalism and arson.

"The CID have collected clear cctv footage and some evidence the perpetrators dropped on their departure so it’s within their hands now.

"If things were not bad enough at this time we do not need the added worry and stress of idiotic acts such as those.

"This is a major incident for the police and is being treated as such.

"If anyone can help in any way. No matter how small please contact either ourselves or the police direct.

"Thank you all and we will see you all soon."

We have contacted Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland about the incident.