A WIRRAL pub was the target of a suspected arson attack in the early hours of Monday morning.

Firefighters were called to The Black Horse pub on Church Road, Birkenhead at around 1.45am following reports of a fire.

A man inside the property at the time of the blaze - which is being treated as "suspicious" - escaped without injury.

The pub was not open at the time of the fire.

Police officers were also in attendance at the scene and carried out enquiries in the area.

The property was cordoned-off for a forensic examination to be carried out.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “A joint investigation with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is underway into the cause of the fire, although at this time it is being treated as suspicious."

Anyone with information should call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The pub has re-opened today.