Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire at a derelict pub on a Wiltshire A-road.

Fire crews rushed to the abandoned Unicorn pub, on Bath Road in Melksham, shortly before 3pm on Tuesday, November 7.

The former pub has been disused for some time and earlier this year police found that the building had been used as a cannabis factory.

When firefighters arrived a blaze was discovered in the kitchen area of the ground floor and two crews, one equipped with a hose reel jet, battled to extinguish the fire for nearly an hour.

Firefighters put out the fire shortly before 4pm, and determined that it appeared to have been started deliberately.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The derelict Unicorn pub after a fire in MelkshamThe derelict Unicorn pub after a fire in Melksham (Image: Trevor Porter)

An arson probe was subsequently launched by police and two 16-year-old boys have now been arrested in connection to the incident.

They have both been bailed while the investigation continues.

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We have arrested two 16-year-old boys on suspicion of arson following a fire at the derelict Unicorn pub in Melksham on November 7.

“They have been bailed while enquiries continue.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101 quoting reference 54230118060.”