Two arrested over major fire at Kent hotel

Two people have been arrested after a fire at a seaside hotel which led to hundreds of people being evacuated.

Kent Police said a 38-year-old man and 21-year-old woman were held after the blaze at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone on Saturday. A detective at the scene said the pair had been arrested on suspicion of arson.

The fire broke out at the hotel in Marine Parade in the early hours and about 280 people were evacuated from the building.

A total of 90 people were relocated from Pavilion Court in Marine Terrace following concerns raised by safety inspectors, Folkestone and Hythe District Council said.

The pair who were arrested have been released while inquiries continue.

'Car park smoke billowing'

Police say road closures remain in place for investigation work following the blaze, which started at about 01:20 BST.

The blaze is being treated as suspicious and police are appealing for witnesses,

Britannia Hotels Group, which runs the Grand Burstin, said at the weekend it was fully cooperating with police and supporting the investigation.

The group said engineers and building inspectors had been at the site to carry out structural assessments, and its team was working to assist guests.

Twenty six fire engines were sent to the hotel and Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it was believed the fire had started in the basement of the building.

The council has been working to arrange alternative housing for all affected residents while the hotel undergoes further assessments and any required works to make it safe.

On Saturday, a welfare centre was set up for hotel residents.

Other businesses, including nearby pub The Harbour Inn, also opened their doors to those affected.

Ross Honeycombe, who was staying at the hotel with his family, described how they were woken by fire alarms at about 01:00, adding: "We looked out and there was smoke billowing from the underground car park.

"Later we started hearing explosions."

A resident at Pavilion Court, John Dighton, said he "grabbed stuff for a couple of days" and was staying at a nearby hotel.

He said the worst thing was not knowing how long they would be away from their homes.

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