A pub badly damaged by fire in a suspected arson had been purchased by Tesco just days before.

Police are investigating the blaze at the Angel in Angel Hill on Saturday, February 26.

But it has emerged the building was bought in the previous week by the supermarket giant, who plan to change it in to a Tesco Express.

A Tesco spokeswoman said there was no structural damage and it would now push forward with an application for a change of use of the building, probably within four to six weeks.

She said letters would soon be sent out to neighbours informing them of their plans. She said the business would create about 20 new jobs.

Police and London Fire Brigade are continuing to investigate the fire.

The pub had been since January after being ordered to close after reports of violence and criminal damage and noise complaints.

It also sold booze to underage police cadets in a sting operation.