AN arson attack caused tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of damage at a Worcesteshire pub – although it could have been much worse.

Quick-thinking Andy Allen, manager of the Star Inn and Hotel, Upton-upon-Severn evacuated the pub and rescued a couple from the next door flat, which was minutes from being engulfed in flames.

The drama unfolded at 10.50pm on Saturday when a customer spotted flames towering above the roof of the building to the rear.

Mr Allen rushed out and fire engines from Upton, Pershore and Tewkesbury arrived within minutes to put the fire out – and reveal the scene of devastation behind.

Police are treating the fire as arson It was started in the pub’s outside bar, destroying the bar, surrounding decking and the summer furniture which was all being stored during the winter.

The building behind – not only the couple’s flat but also a business called Gail’s Nails – is charred and windows have been smashed.

Mr Allen believes the fire was started by a disgruntled customer.

He said: “It is going to cost us tens of thousands of pounds.

“The decking alone cost around £25,000. The summer furniture costs about £4,000.”

Mr Allen originally picked up and connected a hosepipe, hoping to tackle the blaze himself but when he saw the flames he realised there was little he could do.

His thoughts immediately turned to the couple, thought to be in their 60s, who lived in the building adjoining the outside bar.

“I ran round and banged on the door,” he said.

Mr Allen managed to get the neighbours out, after which he evacuated the 10 guests staying at the Star as a precaution.

He said: “The firemen told me a couple more minutes and the whole of the building behind would have gone up.

“If the lad had not spotted when he did that might have been the extra couple of minutes.

“The flames were above the top of the building – about 30 foot high.

“The main thing which has concerned everybody was how close the couple came.”

The couple were not at the site when your Worcester News visited yesterday.

• UPDATE: A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Police are appealing for any witnesses who may be able to help with the investigation to come forward and call 0300 3333000 with information.