Police in Glasgow are hunting a fire thug after a city centre pub was deliberately torched. Emergency crews rushed to the blaze within The Maltman bar on Renfield Street around 2.40pm on Saturday, October 4.
Road closures and emergency response
An alarm was raised following reports of a fire within a West Regent Lane premises. A stretch of road was closed between West Regent Street and West George Street as well as West Regent Lane. A total of nine fire appliances were dispatched to the scene.
Wilful blaze confirmed
Police Scotland have now confirmed they are treating the blaze as wilful as enquiries continue. No casualties have been reported.
Pub owner response
Owners Belhaven Brewery have said they hope to reopen the pub "as soon as possible". A Belhaven Brewery spokesperson added: "We are extremely grateful for the swift actions of emergency services after a fire broke out at The Maltman, Glasgow.
"Thankfully, no-one was harmed or injured and the fire was contained.
"We need to fully assess the situation but hope to have the pub back open as soon as possible."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 3.15pm on Sunday, 4 October, 2026, we were called to a report of a fire at premises in West Regent Lane, Glasgow.
"The fire is being treated as wilful and enquiries are ongoing."
