Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a huge fire which destroyed a derelict hotel on Blackpool's seafront. The blaze broke out at old New Hacketts Hotel on Monday afternoon - sending huge plumes of smoke billowing into the air.
Twelve fire engines tackled the blaze at its height which Lancashire Fire Service said had reduced the building to an 'outer shell'. Police say the blaze caused 'irreparable damage' to the four storey hotel.
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Tonight (Thursday), Lancs Constabulary said an 18-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy had been arrested in Blackpool on suspicion of criminal damage/arson with intent intent to endanger life. They are currently in custody for questioning.
Police are still for appealing for witnesses and asked anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area near to the hotel on Monday, to get in touch. They also asked the public to check their CCTV and dashcam footage from the area.
Speaking earlier this week Det Con Dan Knowles, of Blackpool CID, said: "This fire has caused irreparable damage to this building and required a significant emergency response. While I'm keeping an open mind to its cause, I would ask anybody with information or footage which could assist our enquiries to make contact as soon as possible."
On Wednesday Blackpool Council said the building would be demolished once firefighters had made it safe.
Anyone with information should email police on 4912@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 822 of April 24, 2023.
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