Star at Harome: Fire that destroyed Michelin-starred restaurant being treated as arson
The fire broke out on Wednesday evening and has reduced the award-winning restaurant to "ashes".
Friday 26 November 2021 17:47, UK
A fire that destroyed a Michelin star restaurant in North Yorkshire is being treated as arson.
The thatched, 14th century Star Inn at Harome, in Helmsley, was reduced to "ashes" after a blaze that started on Wednesday evening.
More than 40 firefighters tackled the blaze and specialist investigators were called in to carry out inquiries on Thursday.
"Following an examination of the scene by police crime scene investigators and fire investigation officers, it is now believed that the fire was started deliberately," North Yorkshire Police said in a statement.
"A number of groups of people were in the area around the time of the fire, and police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact them."
No-one was injured in the fire.
On Thursday, chef Andrew Pern tweeted that the business had been "reduced to ashes".
The Star Inn at Harome has featured in lists of the best restaurants and gastropubs since Mr Pern took over as chef 25 years ago.
North Yorkshire Police thanked the local community for their understanding while emergency services were on the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.