Police are appealing for witnesses in connection with a suspected arson at the New Inn Public House in New Bradwell in the early hours of Saturday morning (15/8).

The incident happened between 11.30pm and 12.10am and is believed to have started in the adjoining ground floor flat which was empty at the time. Customers and staff were still in the pub and were alerted to the fire when the smoke alarms activated.

Det Con Jo Pape, investigating the incident said: “The early indication is that the fire was started deliberately. The offender or offenders have shown no regard at all for the safety of people present in the building, luckily the smoke alarms alerted them to the problem and they were able to get out safely and call the fire service. We are treating this very seriously as it could have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities. 

“I would ask anyone with information about this incident to contact us as soon as possible. We would like to hear from anyone near the pub at the time of the fire that may have seen something which could help with our investigation.”

If you have any information about this incident, please contact Det Con Pape at Milton Keynes police station via the 24-hour non-emergency number, 0845 8 505 505. If you do not want to speak to the police, call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also give information to the police in person by visiting any police station. To find out the opening times and location of your local station please call 0845 8 505 505 or visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/bcu/milton_keynes/bcu-info/stations.htm