About 280 people evacuated from Folkestone's Grand Burstin Hotel after fire

Image source, Dave Hennessy Image caption, A seaside hotel in Folkestone has been evacuated after a fire in the early hours

A fire at a seaside hotel where about 280 people were evacuated is believed to have been caused deliberately, police have said.

A total of 26 fire engines were sent to the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone at about 01:05 BST on Saturday, Kent Fire & Rescue Service said.

Kent Police said that the fire was being treated as suspicious and is appealing for witnesses.

"Inquiries into the circumstances are under way," police said.

Image source, Juliette Felton Image caption, Kent Police is appealing for witnesses to the hotel fire

In an update at 20:35, the fire service said that three fire engines and a height vehicle remained in attendance, and firefighting operations were ongoing.