POLICE are today probing a suspected arson at a notorious pub in Dagenham.
The blaze ripped through the bar of the Ship & Anchor in Wood Lane between 1.25am and 2am on Sunday. A 28-year-old man, who was upstairs at the time, managed to flee.
A Met spokesman said: “He escaped without injury. An arson investigation is underway.”
The pub was the scene of repeated fights, shut in 2008 due to financial difficulties but reopened under new management.
The Ship & Anchor is believed to have closed again about two weeks ago.
Barking and Dagenham licensing officer PC Corinne Holland stressed the latest closure was not the result of a licensing review.
Anyone with information regarding the blaze is urged to call PC Sean Spencer at Barking CID on 020 8217 5535 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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