A FLINTSHIRE pub has been forced to close a week after reopening due to a fire. 

The Fox & Grapes, which reopened its doors under new management last week, suffered a fire in the upstairs flat of its building in Hawarden on Thursday afternoon.

Thankfully, no one was hurt in the incident, but the pub will now be closed until the building is declared safe again. 

Patrick Burnham, landlord of the Fox & Grapes, said: "Unfortunately, we're going to be closing for a little bit now due to a fire upstairs. 

"I can't say for definite [how long] but definitely for some time until we can get some people here to make sure it's all safe and secure for everybody to come back in."

The Leader: Smoke was seen billowing from the building. Smoke was seen billowing from the building. (Image: User generated content)

He added: "Thank you for everyone's support when we did open for the first week. 

"I know it's bad timing with the fire but unfortunately we can't help these kind of things. Hopefully we'll be open as soon as possible."

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Dozens of people expressed their sadness and offered their support via social media following the incident.

One person said: "Devastated for you. I know the village is right behind you and we will all be supporting you when you reopen."

Another added: "So sorry to see the fire today. Glad that everyone was ok and hope you get everything sorted very soon."