Teenagers arrested after derelict hotel fire

1 hour ago

Fire crews fought a blaze at the hotel on Sandown High Street

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service A fire engine with multiple firefighters outside a burnt building at night time. Smoke can be seen in the air. — Fire crews fought a blaze at the hotel on Sandown High Street

Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a derelict hotel on the Isle of Wight.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said it received a call at about 03:30 BST on Sunday reporting a blaze at the hotel on Sandown High Street.

It said crews from Shanklin, Ryde, Ventnor, Newport and Freshwater were sent to the scene and confirmed nobody was injured, or evacuated from the building.

Hampshire police has now arrested two 17-year-old boys from Ventnor. They have been bailed until 11 January while investigations continue.

"Extensive enquiries are ongoing into the incident at the present time to establish the full circumstances," police said.

Firefighters worked through the night to tackle the fire in the building.

Sandown High Street and Esplanade were closed as firefighters damped down hotspots on the lower levels, while an aerial ladder platform was used to extinguish remaining flames in the roof.