Fire Folkestone’s Grand Burstin Hotel treated as suspicious

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.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has set up a welfare centre at the Three Hills Sports Park and nearby residents have been advised to avoid the area of the fire and close windows and doors.

“We are supporting all emergency services involved in the response and their efforts to get people to safety”, the council said.

South East Coast Ambulance Service said it assessed a number of people at the scene and one person was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels Group, which runs the Grand Burstin Hotel, said it was “taking immediate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests and team members”.

“Emergency services are on site and we are fully cooperating with the authorities to support those affected and assist with the ongoing response”, it added.

Ross Honeycomb, 39, was staying at the hotel with his family and told the BBC that they were woken by fire alarms at about 01:00.

He said: “I thought I was dreaming, it was horrifying.

“We looked out and there was smoke billowing from the underground car park. Later we started hearing explosions.”

“It has just been madness. I have been out barefoot all night.”