Pub landlord shot himself with crossbow - inquest

A landlord died after shooting himself with a crossbow having set fire to his pub, an inquest heard.

Armed officers were called to the Chequers Inn in Wootton, near Bedford, at about 10:15 BST on 19 September.

Sam Silk, coroner's officer for Bedfordshire and Luton, told the inquest that Hervé Louis Appert, 63, had first set the pub on fire.

The landlord, who was French, was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where he was confirmed dead two days later.

When armed Bedfordshire Police arrived at the scene they fired non-lethal rubber bullets as the landlord had a crossbow.

The inquest heard Mr Appert, who was born in Noyers-sur-Cher near Tours, was taken to hospital with second and third degree burns.

Dr Aiysha Choudry confirmed his death at 22:47 on 21 September.

The inquest, in Ampthill, heard the cause of his death was "traumatic brain injury and severe burns".

Emma Whitting, senior coroner for Bedfordshire and Luton, said a pre-inquest hearing would take place on 22 January 2026.

Villagers have described the death of Mr Appert and the destruction of the pub as a "big loss".

Bedfordshire Police has said its inquiries were continuing.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is automatic in cases where officers have prior contact with someone who dies later.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.