Police are investigating arson attacks in the car park of a city pub which happened within a space of a few hours.

Fire crews were called to the car park of The Swan Inn in Barbourne for two arson attacks with police saying they are investigating.

However, Ryan Maund, owner of The Swan Inn in Barbourne, said there was only one incident at the pub this morning (Wednesday) which involved someone setting alight a customer's car tyre.

According to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, the first arson attack was at 1.17am which involved two cars.

A spokesperson said a few hours later, police and firefighters were called to a fence which was on fire at the same property.

Mr Maund said the incident had nothing to do with the pub and he had put out the car fire before firefighters arrived. 

He said: "We are still open, and this has not been detrimental to the business. 

"The safety of our customers is paramount and we have an extensive CCTV system that is remotely managed at a control centre.

"It was a small fire and I do not know the reason behind it.

"Police are involved and I had put out the fire before fire crews got to the pub to extinguish it.

"It has nothing to do with the pub."

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said both incidents are being treated as arson and will be investigated.

They added: "We received a call around 1.20am this morning (April 24) with a report of criminal damage caused at the Swan Inn on Barbourne Road in Worcester.

"Officers attended and found damage to a window and two cars.

"Around 5.15am this morning we received another call reporting a fence being set alight at the same property."

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said two fire crews were at both arson attacks. 

A spokesperson said: "Two HWFR crews from Worcester Fire Station were called at 1.17pm on April 24 to a small vehicle on fire in Barbourne Road, Worcester.

"Two cars were involved in a suspected arson.

"Crews dampened down with a hosereel jet and used a thermal imaging camera to check for hot spots.

"There were no casualties and police also attended.

"Two HWFR crews from Worcester Fire Station were called at 5.10am to a fire in the open on Barbourne Road, Worcester.

"A small fence, approximately 1m by 1m was on fire and had been extinguished before the arrival of the fire service. This was suspected arson."