A 29-YEAR-OLD man was last night being held by police after a man and his dog were rescued from a burning New Forest pub Five people were inside the Tollhouse pub – formerly known as the Monkey House – in Southampton Road, Lymington, when it went up in flames in the early hours yesterday.

Crews from Brockenhurst, Lymington, New Milton, Lyndhurst and Beaulieu were called to the scene shortly after 3am.

Officer in charge Nick Davies said: “On arrival, the initial crews were faced with a very difficult fire in a large building.

“The first crews on scene with their early intervention meant that they safely managed to rescue one man and his dog.

“The fire was quickly brought under control.

“If it wasn’t for their quick arrival, the male and his dog may have become trapped in the building and the outcome could have been devastating.”

The other occupants of the pub also escaped.

They treated for smoke inhalation at Southampton General Hospital.

The pub was cordoned off yesterday morning by police, who launched a joint investigation into the cause blaze with the fire service.

There were blackened windows on the first floor. Extensive fire and smoke damage was caused to the building.

A 29-year-old man from Poole was yesterday arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and was last night being held in custody at a police station in Dorset pending further enquiries.

Police are appealing for information. Call Lymington police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.