POLICE are appealing for information following an arson attack on a pub.

Emergency services were alerted after a lit bottle containing flammable liquid was thrown through a downstairs window at Oddies pub on Hylton Road, in Sunderland at 12.40am yesterday (Tues, Jan 24).

The small fire in the kitchen area was extinguished and all four occupants were safely out of the property. No one was injured.

Police are appealing for witnesses, anyone who was in the area and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to get in touch.

Officers are treating the incident as arson.

Neighbourhood Inspector Jamie Southwell said: "We want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and who may have seen or heard anything which could assist our inquiries.

“It was extremely fortunate that no one was injured as this could easily have resulted in fatalities."

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 31 of 24/01/17 or charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.