FIREMEN had to rescue three people trapped upstairs after an arson attack at a Bolton pub in the early hours of today.

Detectives are investigating the fire which was started at the rear door leading to the living quarters above The Feathers pub in Breightmet Fold Lane, Breightmet.

All three people escaped the fire without injury, and this morning, defiant licensee, Kevin Nuttall, said it would be "business as usual".

Damage was confined to the door, but the living quarters were smoke logged.

Leading fireman Dave Jones said: "The actions of those responsible definitely put lives in danger.

"If they had not heard the fire alarm when they did, we could have possibly had a more serious case on our hands."

Bar manager, James Pollard, 24, and supervisor, Emma Wilcock, 18, were also rescued from the blaze by firemen in breathing apparatus.

The crew had to break down the door to reach the three people, who were trapped upstairs.

The alarm went off shortly before 3am. Mr Nuttall and Mr Pollard initially tried to fight the fire using an extinguisher, without success. Mr Nuttall said: "I have no idea who would have started the fire. It is not going to affect the running of the pub and we are open for business as usual. But it was a deliberate act of arson, and could have been fatal."

Anyone who saw anything, or can help the police investigation, should contact detectives at Astley Bridge CID on 0161 872 5050.

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