Fires tear through two derelict pubs just streets apart in south London
Around 100 firefighters tackled the blazes, which happened at the same time in Croydon.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fires have torn through two derelict pubs just streets away from each other in south London.
Around 100 firefighters tackled the blazes, which happened at the same time in Croydon on Thursday.
Parts of both buildings were “destroyed” and the cause of the fires is under investigation.
Footage on social media showed flames and smoke billowing into the air.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said eight fire engines and about 60 firefighters were called to the the first blaze, at the former Windmill pub in St James’s Road, at 5.44am.
It said: “The whole of the second floor and the roof of the building were destroyed by fire, resulting in a roof collapse. There were no reports of any injuries.
“One of the brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders was used as a water tower to tackle the fire from above.”
At 6.24am, the LFB was called to the second fire, at the former Drum & Monkey pub in Gloucester Road, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the first one.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended the scene.
The fire service added: “The whole of the first and second floors of the building were destroyed by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.”