Two teenagers have been arrested after a huge fire ripped through a former hotel in Blackpool this week.
Fire crews were called to the former New Hacketts Hotel, which was well alight, at around 2.48pm on Monday, April 24. There were 12 fire engines at the scene, on Queens Promenade, as "irreparable damage" was caused to the building.
Lancashire police has confirmed the building will now need to be demolished. Lancs Live reported two teenagers, an 18-year-old man, and a 16-year-old boy, have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
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They have also been held for arson endangering life. Detective constable 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."
Detectives are still appealing for witnesses, asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area near to the hotel on Monday, to contact the police. Officers are also asking people to check their CCTV from the area and dashcam footage which could assist their enquiries.
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