A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at the John Bull Chophouse in Wigan town centre. He remains in custody for questioning.
Firefighters tackle blaze
Emergency services were called to the pub on Coopers Row at around 4am on Tuesday, August 4. Four fire engines from Wigan, Atherton and Leigh attended, with crews using breathing apparatus, three hose reels, one hose reel jet and specialist equipment to extinguish the fire.
No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained by 8.40am, with the cordon lifted shortly after.
Arrest and investigation
The man was arrested on suspicion of arson, burglary and possession of class A drugs. Greater Manchester Police 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.”
Owners vow to restore pub
Thwaites, the owners of the John Bull, said they intend to restore the pub to its “former glory.” A spokesperson 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.”
Wigan Council advised the public to avoid the area while firefighters worked, and a 50-metre exclusion zone was set up for safety.
