A PETROL container was set alight outside a pub in Widnes in a suspected arson attack.

At about 11pm on Sunday a small container of petrol was placed against a fire door at The Blundells Arms on Hale Road.

The container was then set alight but the pub's staff were able to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher before the fire could spread beyond the door.

Detectives are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious in the area to come forward.

They are also keen to hear from anyone who believes they may know who started the fire or have CCTV or dashcam footage.

DS Alison White said: “Arson is an extremely serious offence – people can die as a result of fires being started deliberately.

"Thankfully, in this instance the pub’s staff were able to extinguish the fire before it had chance to spread and put lives at risk.

"The incident could have been a lot worse than it was and we are determined to establish exactly what happened and make whoever started the fire face the consequences of their actions.

"Enquiries are ongoing and I urge anyone who saw what happened or witnessed anything suspicious in the area to come forward.

"The same goes for anyone who believes they may have CCTV or dashcam footage that could be relevant to our ongoing investigation."

Anyone with information should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 250856.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report information online.

Click here to submit dash cam footage.