A huge fire at an iconic hotel is being treated as suspicious, police have said, as they appeal for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
Emergency services raced to the Grand Burstin Hotel in The Harbour, Folkestone, to tackle the blaze, which fire crews said started in the basement in the early hours of Saturday morning.
About 280 people were evacuated as dramatic pictures showed plumes of smoke billowing over the harbour. Residents living nearby have been urged to close all windows and doors and “avoid the area” as firefighters continue to tackle the blaze.
No injuries relating to the fire have been reported.
In an update on Saturday evening, a Kent Police spokesman said: “A fire in Folkestone is being treated as suspicions, with detectives seeking witnesses and dashcam footage.
“Kent Police was called at around 1.20am on Saturday 19 September, to a report of a fire at a hotel in Marine Parade, Folkestone.
“Officers are in attendance to assist with traffic flow while crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service work to fully extinguish the fire.
“Enquiries into the circumstances are underway and officers now believe the fire may have been caused deliberately.
At its height, 26 fire engines were at the scene, the fire service said.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council posted on X earlier on Saturday saying: “A fire is currently ongoing at the Folkestone Grand Burstin Hotel.
“We are operating a welfare centre at Three Hills Sports Park for people being evacuated from the site, where we are providing support to those affected. We are supporting all emergency services involved in the response and their efforts to get people to safety.
“Our advice to residents living nearby is to: close all windows and doors; avoid the area and do not attempt to approach the hotel; follow the instructions of emergency services; keep roads clear to allow emergency vehicles to access the area.
“We will provide further updates as information becomes available.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said 10 fire engines remained at the scene on Saturday afternoon.
“Crews wearing breathing apparatus have worked hard to bring the fire under control and are now dampening down any remaining hotspots,” the service said in an update.
“It’s believed the fire started in the basement of the property, but the cause is not yet known. Around 280 people evacuated the building, and a welfare centre has been organised by Folkestone and Hythe District Council.
“No fire-related injuries have been reported.”
It added: “Members of KFRS’ Volunteer Response Team are on-hand to offer advice and support, and The Salvation Army is providing welfare to crews. Road closures remain in place while emergency services continue to work at the scene.”
A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels Group said: “We can confirm there has been an incident at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone and we are 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.”
Anyone with information about the fire or dashcam footage from the area between 10pm on 18 September and 12.30am on 19 September, is urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/155727/26.
