A FIRE which broke out at a Pontypool pub last week causing the building to be torn down is being treated as arson.

Police are appealing for information following the incident which saw fire crews called to the derelict Masons Arms in Station Road, Griffithstown, on Monday August 4.

A police spokeswoman said: "The fire is being treated as deliberately set, and although no-one was harmed, substantial damage was caused to the building."

The Argus reported how fire crews were called to the former pub at 3.33pm where they found flames on the first and second floor.

The fire had also broken through the roof and damaged the adjoining building, where residents said an old betting shop used to be.

Six South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) vehicles from Malpas, Cwmbran, New Inn, Aberbargoed, and Cardiff Central were called to the scene, including a large hose ladder using heat recognition cameras.

Station Road was closed for several hours while firefighters battled the blaze.

Eighty per cent of the building couldn't be saved and had to be pulled down following the fire.

A Torfaen spokeswoman confirmed that the building was demolished as it was in a dangerous condition and had partially collapsed due to the fire.

Eighty per cent of the building couldn't be saved and had to be pulled down following the fire.

A Torfaen spokeswoman confirmed that the building was demolished as it was in a dangerous condition and had partially collapsed due to the fire.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 309 04/08/14.