A LANDLORD and his daughter have been moved to a place of safety following three arson attacks on their pub.

Publican David Fitzpatrick and his 17-year-old daughter, Laura, had to be rescued by firefighters using a ladder after finding themselves trapped on the first floor of the Station Hotel, Loftus.

The blaze on Monday was the third fire in three days. The first, on Sunday evening, was started next to a staircase outside the building and was put out by the landlord and another man. Two more fires, both started in the pub cellar, followed early on Monday morning.

"It has been a lot to cope with. I am just grateful the fire brigade were there and that my daughter and I got out of it," Mr Fitzpatrick said. "I would say it is not a matter of luck but good management. We had all the fire equipment; smoke detectors and fire doors in place. They have saved us."

Acting Detective Sergeant Nick Owen said: "We have forensic experts at the scene and are investigating a number of lines of inquiry.

"We want to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity throughout the night and early hours of the morning," he said.

Police have been given a number of names of people who may have held a grudge against the pub management.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Cleveland Police on (01642) 326326.