Residents living above were alerted to the fire and were able to put out the flames before it spread from the bar area.

Police have this morning arrested a man on suspicion of carrying out arson.

Officers are now appealing for the public's help in identifying a further person suspected of setting fire to the Walkabout public house in Rugby.

DS John Lanchbury is investigating the incident. He said: "This arson had the potential to seriously injure the two people asleep upstairs.

"Initial investigations have led to one early arrest, but I am appealing for the public to call in with any information that may help identify the other person believed to be involved."

The fire started at about 2.15am.


DS Lanchbury would like to hear from members of the public:

-who has sold two green petrol containers in and around Rugby or Coventry recently

-who has sold petrol that was collected in petrol containers

-who were driving a grey new type mini cooper at the time

-who saw anyone in a grey new type mini cooper acting suspiciously near to the pub in High Street, Rugby

-who is aware of someone suffering burns either in unusual circumstances or who came home after 2.20am today with burns.

Anyone with information can contact DS Lanchbury at Rugby CID on 01788 541111, extension 3833, voicemail 10727.

Information can also be passed on to police anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.