A MAN was arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire swept through a pub in Buckhurst Hill.

Firefighters tackled searing heat, thick black smoke and flames after being called to the Three Colts Pub in Princes Road at about 4.50pm today (Saturday, February 6).

Four crews called to the scene battled the fire and stopped it spreading.

It is not believed anyone has been hurt in the fire.

A man was arrested on suspicion of arson in Loughton shortly before 6pm. He is currently in custody, Essex Police said.

Fire crews were called to the pub after the owner discovered a fire on the ground floor. 

When firefighters arrived they were faced with a heavily smoke-logged building and reported that the ground floor was about 50 per cent alight.

James Taylor, monitoring officer at the Scene, said: "Our crews worked quickly to bring the fire under control and did a great job to stop it from spreading. 

"We expect to be on site for another couple of hours while we clear the smoke and work to continue extinguishing all hot spots in the ceiling and roof areas. 

"The ground floor of the building has suffered fire, smoke and heat damage."

Once the fire is completely extinguished fire officers will carry out an investigation to determine the cause.

If you saw anything, have any CCTV or dash cam footage, or have any other information about the incident please call police on 101 quoting incident 858 of 6 February or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.