From the http://www.kentlive.news 5 August, 2016.

Chatham pub fire after suspected petrol bomb arson attack.

The blaze at its height at Juddy's pub in Cross Street, Chatham.

The fire that ripped through a Chatham pub last night is being treated as suspicious and there are unconfirmed reports on social media a petrol bomb was used in the attack.

Firefighters arrived at the former Juddy's pub in Cross Street at 11.20pm to tackle a blaze which had taken hold in the roof of the two-storey building.

At its height three fire engines were at the scene but the roof of the derelict pub eventually collapsed.

And due to the structural damage, Medway Council has closed the road so the property can be made safe.

A police spokesman said: "Officers were called at 11.20pm on Thursday, August 4 to a report of a fire at a derelict property in Cross Street, Chatham.

"Kent Fire and Rescue attended the incident along with Kent Police.

"The fire is being treated as suspicious and enquiries are ongoing."

At the time of the fire it was deemed so severe that Kent Fire and Rescue Service warned people living in the Cross St area and its vicinity to close their windows and doors due to the smoke levels.

It is the third time in a week the former pub has been targeted after firefighters were twice called to the property on Tuesday after rubbish was set alight.