Police probe after pub arson attack in Bacup (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Police probe after pub arson attack in Bacup

9:55am Monday 1st October 2012 in News By Lisa Woodhouse, Assistant picture editor

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

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 on Saturday 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.”

The landlord declined to comment.

Bacup councillor Jimmy Eaton said: “The incident could have easily esca-lated, and the outcome could have been much worse.

“Luckily the licensee has seen what has happened, but if he hadn’t, who knows what might have happened. There are properties next to the pub and it could have easily spread.

“It is a very serious matter and it’s a good job it was seen and dealt with before anyone was injured.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, or the Crimestoppers hotline, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

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