POLICE have launched an investigation after the loft of a pub caught fire twice on the same day.

Police believe both the fires at the Railway Tavern, in Norton-on-Derwent, near Malton, were suspicious.

Fire safety officer Dave Silversides said they were first called out in the early hours of Sunday and were at the scene for three hours.

"The fire was in the loft area and it was put out and we left the scene. But we were called again at about 9am in another part of the same area.

"From that point of view the fire is suspicious."

Sergeant Will Eastwood, of Malton police, said: "We got a call in the early hours and when we attended the fire had been put out. We believe it was suspicious."

Nobody was injured.