Police have confirmed that a major fire which engulfed Panacea last night is being treated as suspicious.
Around 50 firefighters and ten fire engines attended the incident just before 10.30pm on Tuesday, 12th March, and worked through the night to bring the huge blaze under control.
Shortly before the fire broke out two people were seen to arrive in a dark coloured vehicle. They got out and were seen walking towards the building, then leaving in the car.
DI Robert Hassall said: "We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw a dark coloured BMW or Audi shortly before 10.30pm."
Fire Investigation Officers and police are currently at the bar and restaurant to carry out a full investigation into the cause of the fire and extent of the damage once the building is deemed safe to enter.
One fire engine is still in attendance at Panacea along with a supporting fire appliance and the hydraulic platform which is being used to damp down the area.
A Cheshire Fire police spokesperson said "There is extensive damage to the building, with mainly the facade still standing, and the roof has been badly damaged by the fire".
This is the second time that Panacea has been seriously damaged by fire in less than five years.
Fire engulfed the building in the early hours of September 17th 2008, only five days after Panacea opened following a reported £3.2 million refurbishment.
Panacea have issued the following statement on their Facebook page:
"As many of you may already know there was a fire at Panacea Alderley Edge last night, causing significant damage to the building. The venue was closed at the time and thankfully no one was injured. We are now working closely with the authorities to establish the cause of the fire.
"We would like to thank everyone for their many kind messages and continued support during this time."
Anyone with information concerning the incident should contact DI Robert Hassall on 101 quoting incident number 925 of 12 March 2013.
Alternatively information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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