Two arrested after fire at Folkestone’s Grand Burstin Hotel

Two people have been arrested after a hotel in Folkestone caught fire, leading to people being forced to evacuate their homes.

Kent Police was called to the incident at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Marine Parade at around 1.20am on Saturday. About 280 people were evacuated as dramatic pictures showed plumes of smoke billowing over the harbour.

A 38 year old man and 21 year old woman, both from the local area, were arrested in connection with the incident on Sunday. They have since been released while enquiries continue.

At least 26 fire engines were called out to the extinguish the fire as Kent Fire and Rescue Service took control of the blaze while police officers attended and moved residents nearby to safety.

No injuries were reported relating to the incident. Kent Police said on Saturday evening that the fire in Folkestone was being treated as suspicions as it opened an investigation.

Local road closures remain in place for investigation work and police continue to work closely with partner agencies who are supporting those affected by the evacuation. The force asked that anyone with relevant information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, contact them quoting 46/155727/26.

The Grand Burstin Hotel has since remained closed as a result of the blaze. It has 550 bedrooms and is reportedly “renowned as one of the UK’s top entertainment hotels” according to its website.

Guests who were staying in the hotel and have enquiries regarding their belongings were asked to contact the Grand Burstin’s dedicated response team at burstinfireresponse@britanniahotels.com