Arsonists target Northampton pubs

Two pubs in the same Northamptonshire street have been targeted in separate arson attacks.

The Brave Old Oak and Pickled Pig in Towcester were both damaged in the blazes on Monday evening.

Firemen took more than three hours to bring flames under control at The Brave Old Oak, a Marston's pub and hotel, after fire spread from a store cupboard.

The nearby Pickled Pig suffered damage to shelving at the back of the bar and had to evacuate customers after a collection of books caught light.

Marston's area manager Chris Early, said: "The Brave Old Oak is currently closed due to the fire which occurred yesterday evening. The fire was extinguished relatively quickly and we are thankful that no-one was hurt.

"The police and fire investigators are evaluating the cause of the fire and until we have their report it is difficult to know the extent of the damage or how it happened."

A supermarket and house were also targeted in the attacks. A man has since been arrested on suspicion of arson.