CANNABIS FIND AT BLAZE PUB; Third arson attack in ten months.

Byline: LORNA HUGHES

FIREFIGHTERS tackling a blaze at a city pub stumbled across a suspected cannabis factory.

Arsonists are thought to have poured petrol on the stairs at the Prince Arthur, in Rice Lane, Walton, before setting it alight.

Three crews from Longmoor Lane Fire Station tackled the blaze which broke out at around 4.20am on Sunday.

It is the third arson attack on the pub since September - and the thirteenth pub belonging to businessman Ian Caine and his family to be targeted by arsonists since the start of June.

A feeding system, used to cultivate cannabis, and a number of plants were found by firefighters on the second floor.

The fire was contained to the ground floor after a steel door at the top of the stairs stopped it from spreading.

Most of the Grade II-listed building's Victorian features are believed to have been saved.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of growing cannabis.

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "It was only when the crews went upstairs to search that they found the cannabis.

"The only person in the pub was a night watchman but he was already outside by the time we arrived and he helped us access the rear of the building.

"The fire is believed to have started at the top of a stairwell but an internal steel door stopped it spreading any further.

"The fire investigation team has put it down to a deliberate fire which was probably started by petrol."

The area was cordoned off for forensic examinations.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis.

"He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

"An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing."

Anyone who witnessed the incident should call Lower Lane CID on 0151 777 4563 or the anonymous hotline Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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HIT: The Prince Arthur pub