A POPULAR Acton pub will reopen as soon as possible following a devastating fire on New Year’s Eve.

The Aeronaut, a circus-themed bar and pub in Uxbridge Road, was gutted after a ferocious blaze soared through the premises leading 340 customers and 12 members of staff to be evacuated.

Eight people, including five policemen, were taken to hospital with breathing difficulties and minor injuries.

A Laine Pub Company spokesperson, Dan Hills, said: “Everyone is still feeling shocked but recovering well.  

“The Aeronaut holds a very dear place in all of our hearts so we’re deeply determined to restore it.”

A Met police spokesperson said the fire has been treated as non-suspicious, and therefore no further police action will take place.

Police were alerted at approximately 00.40 on Sunday, January 1 and they managed to evacuate people from their New Year’s Eve party.

One officer, PC Ben Jacques, was able to rescue a trapped woman having an asthma attack due to the smoke engulfing the ground floor.

Another man was helped out with a laceration on his hand caused by his desperate attempt to smash a window to escape the fire.

Chief Superintendent Paul Martin, Borough Commander for Ealing, said: “I’m proud of the bravery and determination shown by my officers who went into a burning smoke-filled pub to help rescue those inside and ensure an orderly evacuation.”

Ten fire engines and 72 firefighters were also called to the scene, and eight people were rescued from the first floor via a ladder.

The first and second floors and the roof of the three-storey building where gutted by the blaze while half of the ground floor was left severely damaged.

It is believed that some of the staff lived in these flats above the venue.

Mr Hills continued: “We fully intend to repair and reopen as soon as we’re able and we’ll share news with you and the community as soon as we have updates.

“We’re all feeling deeply touched by the messages of support we’ve had from the local community.”

Ealing student Keiron Drake said: “I’ve been to The Aeronaut several times since it first opened for drinks, food and nights out.

“The atmosphere was always great and the staff were really friendly, so I’m pleased to hear it’s reopening as it’s become such a central part of this area.”

Another regular, Abi Rice, said: “I’m so happy it’ll reopening as there aren’t many good venues to go out in Ealing.”

Ealing resident Chesca Tiley said: “It was heartbreaking to hear about the fire.

“I’m excited to hear they will be reopening as it would have otherwise been a great loss for west London’s nightlife.”