Woman, 21, & man, 38, arrested over ‘deliberate’ fire at landmark seafront hotel – after hundreds evacuated

NewsUK News A MAN and a woman have been arrested following an investigation into an allegedly deliberate fire at a landmark seaside hotel. The Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkstone, Kent, erupted in flames in the early hours of Saturday, September 19. Flames and smoke could be seen for miles Credit: Cover Images Residents were evacuated from nearby residences as the fire raged Credit: Cover Images Police and fire crews were scrambled to the scene to bring the chaotic situation under control with 26 fire engines responding to the call. Hundreds of people living in nearby homes were evacuated as the inferno tore through the hotel. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Around 280 guests and hotel staff were evacuated with local residents warned to avoid the area and to “close all windows and doors.” Kent Fire and Rescue Service eventually managed to extinguish the flames with police then launching an investigation. The blaze is believed to have started in the basement of the building in the early hours Credit: Cover Images The hotel overlooks Folkestone’s harbour and has 550 rooms Credit: Cover Images Pictures show the damage inflicted to the hotel with a lower level completely burnt out Credit: Cover Images Hundreds of guests were evacuated and cars were left a charred wreck Credit: Cover Images Local road closures remain in place as police continue to probe the cause of the blaze. Yesterday, officers confirmed they had arrested a 38-year-old man and 21-year-old woman, both from the local area, in connection with the incident. They have both since been released while enquiries continue. Kent Police is appealing for anyone with any information that may assist its probe to come forward. Most read in The Sun The force said: “Anyone with relevant information to assist officers, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact Kent Police on 01622 652006 quoting 46/155727/26.” Dramatic images show the devastation inflicted on the hotel with charred rubble seen strewn across the floor along with blackened walls and hanging debris. Burnt out cars were also pictured in the basement and lined up outside the venue after the flames tore through the lower levels of the building. Kent Fire Service previously said it believed the blaze started in the basement of the property. Cops said the fire may have been cause “deliberately” as they investigated the cause of the blaze. The local council was forced to evacuate 90 residents from nearby Pavilion Court in Marine Terrace. A number of guests were assessed by paramedics at the scene with one taken to hospital with minor injuries – no other injuries have been reported. It comes after safety inspectors’ concerns that the intensity of the fire at the hotel weakened the building’s structure, Folkestone and Hythe District Council said. Folkestone’s housing team is working to arrange alternative housing for affected residents while the hotel undergoes further assessments and any required works to make it safe. The hotel overlooks Folkestone’s harbour and has 550 rooms, according to the Britannia Hotels website.