Staff member missing following blaze at Harrogate hotel

A member of staff is unaccounted for after a fire broke out early this morning at the four-star, 170-bedroom Majestic hotel in Harrogate.

The emergency services evacuated 130 guests and around 25 staff after the North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the listed Victorian building at just before 5am.

It is not known how the blaze started, although it is believed to be in a top floor bedroom.

Fire fighters are still trying to bring the fire under control and limit damage where possible.

"At this stage the cause of the fire is not known and a full examination of the scene will be carried out by fire investigators and police," said Superintendent Ken McIntosh, safer neighbourhood commander for the Harrogate area. "It is too early to say if there are any suspicious circumstances.

"At this stage, there is one person, a member of hotel staff, unaccounted for, enquiries are currently ongoing to locate the man. Until it is safe to enter the building and the area of the fire, we will not be in a position to confirm any casualties."

A spokesman for Barceló Hotels UK said: "As a result of a major fire at the Barcelo Harrogate Majestic Hotel our immediate concern is for a member of staff who is unaccounted for.

"We are helping the emergency services who are doing everything they can to trace him. The hotel was evacuated by our staff efficiently just before 5am this morning and guests are safely waiting at a nearby hotel. It is still too early to comment on a cause for the fire but an investigation will commence as soon as practicably possible."

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By Janet Harmer

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