A MAN has been arrested after an arson attack caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage at a hotel in Upton.

Flames rose to heights of more than 30 feet as an outside bar, decking and summer furniture was destroyed in dramatic scenes at The Star Inn shortly before 11pm on Saturday (February 12).

Landlord Andy Allen was alerted to the situation when a customer spotted flames towering above the roof to the rear of the business.

A couple in Bridge House, to the rear of the Star, had a narrow escape.

Bill Hawkes was watching a film in his top floor flat with his partner Peggy Ward when the signal suddenly cut out.

“I went to check another TV and when I looked in the direction of the satellite dish I saw flames leaping up. It was quite a dramatic sight.,” he said. “We ran straight downstairs and out of the building.”

Fire engines from Upton, Pershore and Tewkesbury arrived within minutes to tackle the blaze.

Mr Hawkes added: “The firefighters told us that another four minutes or so and the whole building would have gone up. It was a very close call.

“We have been feeling a bit of shock, more so over the past few days than on the night itself.”

Mr Allen, who had run around and banged on the couple’s door, also evacuated the 10 guests staying at the Star as a precaution.

He said: “It is going to cost us tens of thousands of pounds to repair. The decking alone cost about £25,000 and the summer furniture £4,000.”

Police have arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He was remanded in custody at Worcester Police Station while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information about the incident should call 0300 333 300, quoting 885/S/120211, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.