A historic London pub which dates back to the 16th Century has been badly damaged in a large fire. Some 80 firefighters battled the flames after being called to the Burn Bullock in Mitcham at about 19:30 BST on Friday. The Grade II listed building has been closed for 10 years but has interior features which date to the 1500s and an 18th Century exterior, according to Historic England. London Fire Brigade said half of the ground, first and second floors of the pub had been damaged, and the roof was also destroyed. Independent councilor for Merton Park Ward, Edward Foley, described the blaze as "just such a shame". He said: “It’s very sad, it’s a lovely building that’s fallen into disrepair, covered in graffiti." He added that “people had feared something would happen to the pub” for “quite a while”. Mitcham Cricket Club, which is next to the building, said the pub had been “disgracefully neglected for years”.
BBC World News