Landlord searches for hero after pub arson attack

Michael Burke, the pub manager, is searching for the man who alerted people to the fire

The manager of a pub targeted in an arson attack as four people were upstairs has thanked members of the community for coming to their aid.

Michael Burke is now trying to trace a man who banged on the door of the Black Prince pub, in Coventry, to alert them to the fire so they could get out of the building.

There were no serious injuries thanks to the quick-thinking of the man, who also tried to put the fire out and works nearby, Mr Burke said.

West Midlands Police have launched an investigation into the blaze, which the force confirmed was started deliberately at the pub on Jardine Crescent in Tile Hill, at about 07:40 BST on Wednesday 10 September.

Mr Burke said: "There was a gentleman that pulled up in a work van in full oranges and he took the time to not only try and put the fire out, but then to bang on the doors and windows to make sure everybody got out. I think they deserve a bit of credit."

Faith leaders visited the Black Prince pub after it was set alight in an arson attack

Three fire engines and two response vehicles were called to the scene and the fire was out just after 09:15.

The four people, who had managed to get out of the property before emergency services arrived, were treated by paramedics at the scene. One of them was later taken to hospital for a precautionary check-up.

Mr Burke said he was grateful the fire wasn't more serious and praised the local community who rallied round to help, including a visit from faith leaders.

"It could have been a really, really tragic event," he said. "But a positive is the community all came around together and helped each other out."

'United community'

Father Edward Backhouse from St Oswald's Church in Tile Hill, was one of the faith leaders who visited in the hours after the fire, and said he felt like it was his duty as the local parish priest.

"We prayed for the Black Prince pub and our local community who had been directly affected by the arson attack," he said.

"Tile Hill has a very strong community and we are a united community.

"We don't have a community centre in the area, so our pubs play a very important part for our parishioners.

"Some of them hold food banks and clothes banks and help to raise much needed funds for local charities."

The fire was started at the pub on Jardine Crescent in Tile Hill on Wednesday morning