Police are hunting for two men who burst into a busy pub wearing scream masks and started a huge blaze.
Emergency services were called to the Bay Horse pub in Knottingley, West Yorks., at around 8.45pm on Tuesday night.
West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that two masked men walked into the pub – busy with evening drinkers – before one doused the place in an accelerant and set it on fire.
Drinkers fled the blaze in horror and escaped into the street – and luckily noone was injured.
The blaze was put out by firefighters but today (Wed) the pub was gutted, the white paint blackened by smoke and police guarded the scene.
A police spokesman said the two men were both wearing masks from the Scream movie. One was described as being 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build and wearing a black jacket/hooded top with black tracksuit bottoms.
The other suspect is described as being around 5ft 10ins tall.
Det Insp Viv Segerius-Allick, of Wakefield District CID, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who has witnessed this incident or who has information about who may be responsible. They have caused significant damage to this public house and put a number of lives at risk.
“We understand that people may have mobile footage of the aftermath of this incident and we would urge them to provide this to us to assist detectives in their ongoing enquiries.
“Anyone with information is asked to call Wakefield District CID via 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“I would stress that incidents of this nature are extremely rare and we are treating the matter very seriously. We understand that this arson attack will cause some concern in the wider community and our neighbourhood teams will be carrying out increased reassurance patrols in the area over the coming days.”
