A landlord could be jailed after demolishing his own pub with a JCB digger.
Police want to speak to pub owner Robert Tyrell after the mechanical digger was repeatedly rammed into the historic 16th Century inn.
It is said Mr Tyrell, 46, took the drastic action after staff at the North Star free house, Steventon, Oxfordshire, refused to serve him as they were closing up.
Thames Valley Police said there were 15 people inside the pub when the incident happened at around 3.45am on New Year's Day.
It was confirmed that police wanted to question a local about criminal damage with intent to endanger life, although no one in the pub was injured. The offence carries a jail sentence.
Villager Mr Tyrell bought the pub, near Abingdon, only a month ago. A regular claimed he could not have poured himself a drink because he lost his liquor licence a few years ago.
The Grade II listed inn has been left severely damaged, with part of the roof collapsed.
A villager said today (Friday): "It's an absolute mess. It's a real shame."
A local guide described the North Star as an "outstanding unspoilt village local" with "unique character that is fast being lost from pubs throughout the vale" and added: "The way village pubs used to be - a real treasure."
The Campaign for Real Ale said irreparable damage had been done to the inn and it was a real loss.