A MAN has been arrested after a Leominster pub full of mourners had to be evacuated because a smoke canister was deliberately set off.

The canister was thrown into the Black Swan Hotel on West Street just after 7pm.

Mourners were at the Black Swan following the funeral of Paul Smith, whose body was recently found in the River Lugg along with that of his friend Andrew Smith.

No-one was injured but the building had to be cleared and the fire service called.

PC Tracy Lewis of Leominster Police said the venue sustained £200 worth of carpet damage and had to close for the evening because of the smoke.

The arrested man has since been released on police bail while a decision is made as to appropriate charges.