Burglars blamed for arson attack on Howard Arms pub in Sunderland
A pub in Sunderland was badly damaged after being broken into and then set on fire, police said.
No-one was injured in the incident at the Howard Arms in the Roker Avenue area of the city early on Friday.
Northumbria Police believe the pub, which was empty at the time, was targeted by burglars who torched the property as they left.
A force spokesman appealed for anyone who was in the area at about 06:00 GMT on Friday to come forward.