Hundreds evacuated after fire breaks out at Folkestone’s Grand Burstin Hotel as 26 engines rush to blaze

Additional reporting by Elli Hodgson and Millie Bowles

Hundreds of guests were evacuated from a major Kent hotel in the early hours after a fire ripped through the basement, as police confirm the incident is a suspected arson attack.

Flames could be seen engulfing The Grand Burstin Hotel on Folkestone seafront in the early hours of this morning as firefighters launched a huge emergency response.

Twenty-six fire engines and a height vehicle were sent to the Britannia Hotels-owned landmark at the height of the blaze.

A total of seven fire engines remain in attendance this morning, with crews wearing breathing apparatus working to extinguish the fire, while Marine Parade remains closed in both directions.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) said firefighters were continuing to make good progress.

In an update this afternoon, police confirmed the fire is being treated as suspicious.