Large fire at Isle of Wight hotel is being treated as arson
Hampshire Police says three youths were stopped at the location prior to the call coming in regarding the fire. They are now assisting police with enquiries and have not been arrested
Last updated 10th May 2021
A fire at a hotel on the Isle of Wight is being treated as arson according to Hampshire Constabulary.
It is after more than 45 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze at a derelict hotel in Sandown on Saturday night (8th May).
Crews from Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Ventnor, East Cowes and Cowes were called to the former Ocean Hotel in High Street at 8:25pm.
Police say three youths were stopped at the location prior to the call coming in regarding the fire. They are now assisting police with enquiries and have not been arrested.
What happened?
A caller reported seeing black smoke coming from the roof and several further calls were received by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s (HIWFRS) Control Room.
All floors of the four-storey hotel were affected and 15 breathing apparatus, five main jets and two aerial ladder platforms were used to bring the fire under control.
Firefighters from Fareham, Hightown, Southsea and Droxford were also sent over by ferry to provide relief and further cover for the Island.
Group Manager Justin Harden said:
"Teams worked hard in difficult conditions, particularly early on with challenging wind conditions. Crews adapted their tactics accordingly to manage this.
"I’d like to add my thanks to crews from across the Island who worked throughout the night and to the crews from Hampshire who provided support and resilience.
"This was a multi-agency effort and we were well supported by Isle of Wight Police, Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, Southern Electricity, Southern Water, Isle of Wight Council’s emergency planning duty officer, the Coastguard, the Environment Agency and South Central Ambulance Services Hazardous Area Response Team, all of whom helped deal with this situation and manage the wider considerations.
"Whilst the site will be secured, areas of the hotel are structurally unstable as a result of the fire. I would now appeal for the public to stay away from the site for their own safety and so that reinspections can be carried out"
Can you help police with their investigation?
A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary says that although it is being treated as arson, the exact cause of the fire has not been established at this time, and enquiries remain ongoing.
"Anyone with information to assist us, or perhaps has any Dash Cam footage or CCTV from the area, is encouraged to call police on 101, quoting 44210177386.
"Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form here__."
Yesterday (Sunday 9th May), officers from the force located on the Isle of Wight posted on its social media that no one was injured in the blaze and an investigation into the source of the fire is ongoing.
Sergeant Sharland from Hampshire Constabulary praised the efforts of the fire service:
"I would like to say Thank you to the Public and Press, who were supportive and understanding as we closed off large areas of the town to create safe working space for the Fire Service and ensure the public remained safe from the fallout of smoke. It was wonderful to see the Public spirit in Sandown and support for our emergency services.
"I am glad to report that nobody has been injured and an investigation as to the source of the fire is ongoing.
"I would like to comment on the fantastic efforts from our Fire Service, who have managed to bring such a ferocious fire under control so quickly and contain it to the building. I am always in awe of our friends in red and their bravery facing such a destructive force - Thank you Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and rescue service, you do an incredible job!"
The Ocean Hotel had recently come under new ownership
Last month, the Ocean Hotel was sold to a company which specalises in renovating large buildings.
Newly re-elected Cllr Ian Ward said this was really good news for the town.