Matches likely cause of fire

A Mansfield pub is expected to remain closed for several days following a fire in which a young woman and a child were helped to safety.

Most of the upstairs living area was damaged by the fire at the Carpenter's Arms, on Newgate Lane.

Firefighters believe it may have been started by youngsters playing with matches.

The pub licensee, Sandra O'Neill, praised the way the fire service responded.

She said: "They were brilliant. It seemed like ages, but it was a matter of minutes and they were here.

"They gave me oxygen... and they wouldn't let us back in until it was safe."