Huge Fire at the Aeronaut During New Year Party

Customers flee Acton pub after blaze breaks out just after midnight

Picture: London Fire Brigade

A major fire has gutted the Aeronaut pub on Acton High Street just half an hour into the new year.

352 people had to be evacuated from the building after the fire broke out as a Circus Spectacular event was taking place to see in the New Year. Six people were rescued from a flat on the first floor via a ladder by London Fire Brigade.

Eight people - five police officers with smoke inhalation and three members of the public with minor injuries - were taken to hospital for treatment.

Ten fire engines and 72 firefighters and officers were called the incident and police officers from the nearby station were quickly on the scene.

PC Ben Jacques entered the burning building, and during a search found a trapped woman having an asthma attack due to the smoke engulfing the ground floor. He dragged her out of the premises and his actions may well have saved her life. Another man was helped out after sustaining a laceration to the hand caused by his desperate attempt to smash a window and escape the fire.

Half of the ground floor of the building was alight. The first and second floors, including the roof of the three storey building, have been destroyed by the fire.

The Fire Brigade was called at 12.36am and was over by 4.42am. Fire crews from Acton, Chiswick, Park Royal, Hammersmith, Richmond, Willesden, North Kensington and Wembley are at the scene.

Acton Police Station, which is next door, was evacuated as a precaution due to the severity of the fire. Local road diversions that were in place after the incident have now been lifted.

Chief Superintendent, Paul Martin, Borough Commander for Ealing said, "I'm proud of the bravery and determination shown by my officers who went into a burning smoke filled pub to help rescue those inside and ensure an orderly evacuation. The damage inside is extensive. Thankfully no one has been seriously injured and that is largely thanks to the efforts of police who acted decisively in the face of danger. I'd like to wish all those injured, including the five officers who suffered smoke inhalation, a speedy recovery."

The cause of the fire is under investigation although the Police have said at this stage that they do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances.

The pub this morning. Picture: Metropolitan Police

January 1, 2017