Exmouth's largest entertainment venue is believed to have been the subject of an arson attack in the early hours of this morning.

The fire, which was reported to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service at around 2.18am today, has damaged the venue's basement and first floor.

Firefighters from Exmouth, Danes Castle, Middlemoor, Topsham, Sidmouth, Bovey Tracey and a Command Support Unit from Honiton were sent to the scene.

Crews used aerial platforms and hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.

The fire is believed to have started in an outside bin area before it spread to the pavilion itself.

The cause of fire is under investigation but a statement issued by Exmouth Pavilion this morning suggests the fire may have been deliberately set.

A spokesperson for Exmouth Pavilion said: "I'm afraid we wont be open this morning, but hopefully we should be by lunchtime.

"Sadly as you may have seen we have been the victim of a suspected arson attack.

"Thankfully the damage is contained to a small section of the rear of the building. Its bad, but could have been much worse. No one was hurt or inside the building at the time.

"Its just sad that as a Community Leisure Trust, someone wants to hurt us (and other local businesses in this way). Thank you for all your kind words."