Liverpool News
Old Swan
David Moyes mural severely damaged in arson attack on Liverpool pub
29 June 2014 05:05 PM By Neil Docking
Four masked men entered Taff’s Tavern in Old Swan on Friday while staff were still serving customers
Taffs Tavern on Derby Road Old Swan was set on fire. Owner Taff Hughes surveys the damage
A signed mural of David Moyes was severely damaged in an arson attack at a Liverpool pub.
Four masked men entered Taff’s Tavern in Derby Lane, Old Swan shortly before 10.30pm on Friday, while staff were still serving customers.
One of the gang poured flammable liquid on the floor of the bar area before setting it alight and they fled the scene.
None of the staff, customers or residents living in the flats above the pub were injured in the fire.
But the tavern's owner Taff Hughes was today counting the cost of the damage, with furniture and stock destroyed and much of the building covered in black soot.
This includes the picture of the former Everton manager, which Moyes signed before leaving Goodison Park for his short-lived spell at Manchester United.
* Try the 'David Moyes excuse generator'
The mural, which proclaimed the Scot 'manager of the decade', was well known among football fans and became an internet meme with its slogan "10 years at Everton for boss who proves you don't need trophies to be a winner but he is a winner'.
The David Moyes mural at Taff's Tavern in Old Swan
Mr Hughes, 79, who has run the pub for nearly 25 years, said: "David Moyes hasn't survived, I'm afraid he's down but somebody said they could restore him. I might get another one done.
"The damage is pretty bad. We're just drinking the last of the product now.
"Downstairs is covered in black soot but upstairs is just smoke damage. I think structurally it's not too bad. We've had an electrician in already.
"A lot of the customers are saying 'where are we going to drink now?' We're hoping to re-open as soon as possible."
Four fire engines attended the incident and firefighters quickly contained the blaze.
Merseyside Police scene on Derby Lane, Old Swan and attack on Taffs Tavern
A man suffering from burns, who is suspected to be one of the gang, was found a short distance away by paramedics.
He was taken to hospital, where his condition was described as stable, and is awaiting questioning by police.
Police are now searching for the offenders, who they think may have escaped in a dark-coloured car.
Anyone with information is urged to call St Anne Street CID on 0151 777 4065 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/david-moyes-mural-severely-damaged-7342895
Old Swan
David Moyes mural severely damaged in arson attack on Liverpool pub
29 June 2014 05:05 PM By Neil Docking
Four masked men entered Taff’s Tavern in Old Swan on Friday while staff were still serving customers
Taffs Tavern on Derby Road Old Swan was set on fire. Owner Taff Hughes surveys the damage
A signed mural of David Moyes was severely damaged in an arson attack at a Liverpool pub.
Four masked men entered Taff’s Tavern in Derby Lane, Old Swan shortly before 10.30pm on Friday, while staff were still serving customers.
One of the gang poured flammable liquid on the floor of the bar area before setting it alight and they fled the scene.
None of the staff, customers or residents living in the flats above the pub were injured in the fire.
But the tavern's owner Taff Hughes was today counting the cost of the damage, with furniture and stock destroyed and much of the building covered in black soot.
This includes the picture of the former Everton manager, which Moyes signed before leaving Goodison Park for his short-lived spell at Manchester United.
* Try the 'David Moyes excuse generator'
The mural, which proclaimed the Scot 'manager of the decade', was well known among football fans and became an internet meme with its slogan "10 years at Everton for boss who proves you don't need trophies to be a winner but he is a winner'.
The David Moyes mural at Taff's Tavern in Old Swan
Mr Hughes, 79, who has run the pub for nearly 25 years, said: "David Moyes hasn't survived, I'm afraid he's down but somebody said they could restore him. I might get another one done.
"The damage is pretty bad. We're just drinking the last of the product now.
"Downstairs is covered in black soot but upstairs is just smoke damage. I think structurally it's not too bad. We've had an electrician in already.
"A lot of the customers are saying 'where are we going to drink now?' We're hoping to re-open as soon as possible."
Four fire engines attended the incident and firefighters quickly contained the blaze.
Merseyside Police scene on Derby Lane, Old Swan and attack on Taffs Tavern
A man suffering from burns, who is suspected to be one of the gang, was found a short distance away by paramedics.
He was taken to hospital, where his condition was described as stable, and is awaiting questioning by police.
Police are now searching for the offenders, who they think may have escaped in a dark-coloured car.
Anyone with information is urged to call St Anne Street CID on 0151 777 4065 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/david-moyes-mural-severely-damaged-7342895
