Major seaside hotel fire treated as suspicious

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, Kent Fire & Rescue Service said.

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

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

In an update at 15:00, the fire service said that nine fire engines remained at the scene "dampening down any remaining hotspots".

Station manager Lawrence Pater said the "very severe" fire had raised concerns about the structural integrity of the building, and that it was seeking advice from inspectors.