Police and fire chiefs were today investigating a triple arson attack on a Selby pub.

Firefighters were called three times in three hours to The New Inn, at Barlby, where the function room and an adjoining back room were gutted.

The lounge and bar area, as well as an upstairs room, were also severely smoke-damaged.

The pub's manager, who did not wish to be named, fled the building after a neighbour raised the alarm.

Licensee Stefan Burr said he was "deeply shocked" by the attack.

He said: "Who would do something like this? My manager could have been killed."

A Selby fire brigade spokesman said today: "We believe the fires were malicious. Fortunately, no one was hurt."

He said an appliance was first called to the New Inn at 1am today to tackle a fire in a garage in the pub car park.

They were called again at 2am to extinguish several small fires to seating in the pub's function room. A hose reel and a firefighter using breathing apparatus were used to put them out.

And then less than two hours later, at 3.55am, firefighters were amazed to be called out to the pub yet again - this time to tackle a massive blaze in the same function room.

They arrived to find flames spreading through the roof to a room at the back of the pub, filling the building with smoke.

The spokesman said the plumes of smoke could be seen from as far away as the BOCM-Paul factory in Barlby Road. Four firefighters had to don breathing apparatus to bring the blaze under control.

Mr Burr, who has owned the pub for six years, added: "I've got no idea who could be responsible - it's a total shock."

The pub was closed today while police investigators carried out their search.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "We're all very shocked. I was woken by the sound of the fire crackling. I thought there was a riot going on."

Anyone with information should telephone Selby police on 01757 702596.

Updated: 12:50 Thursday, June 28, 2001