A huge fire that ripped through a historic beachside pub was caused by a tumble dryer, the fire service said. The Osborne View, an upmarket pub and restaurant on the Solent, was left with significant damage after it went up in flames.

Around 60 firefighters attended the three-storey building on Hill Head beach in Fareham, Hants, yesterday and they spent several hours battling the flames - some of which reached a staggering 30ft. It was heard the pub's manager 'escaped' in her dressing gown and fortunately, no one was injured in the blaze.