UPDATED: Teenager arrested over pub arson attacks released on bail

Jun 30 2009 By Lorna Hughes

A 17-year-old from Huyton has been released on bail after being arrested this morning (Tuesday) on suspicion of arson.

His arrest followed a fire at the Punch Bowl pub in Market Street, Hoylake, on Sunday and a series of arson incidents at pubs across Merseyside in recent weeks.

Fires were also started at The Shippperies pub and Durning Arms in Edge Hill, Merseypride in Anfield, The West Derby in West Derby, The Richmond in Liverpool city centre, The Oak Tree and The Swan in Huyton, Roughwood Hotel in Kirkby and Green Pepper Club, Broadway.

Firefighters were called to the Punch Bowl at around 1.15am on Sunday following reports of a fire inside.

The Market Street pub was closed at the time and no-one was hurt during the incident. It is believed that the fire was started by accelerant being poured through a broken window and set alight.