A BACUP pub was targeted in an early morning arson attack yesterday.

A substance, believed to be petrol, was poured through the letter box of the side door at The Swan Hotel in Market Street and set alight.

Police and fire crews were called to the town centre pub at around 3am after the licensee raised the alarm.

Inspector Judith Finney, from Lancashire Police, said: “An incident took place at The Swan Hotel in Market Street, Bacup, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“An accelerant, which could possibly have been petrol, was poured through the door.

“There was a small fire outside the premises which caused smoke damage to the property.

“The alarm was raised by the licensee.

“CID are investigating the incident and we have an offender outstanding.”