Suspected arson at Torquay hotel
Police have launched an investigation following a suspicious fire at a Torquay hotel in the early hours of Sunday 23 April.
All guests, more than 100 people in total, were given overnight accommodation at the Riviera International Conference Centre. All were Young Farmers, staying in Torquay for their national conference at the centre.
Police are treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life and remain on scene with fire investigators to carry out further enquiries.
Detective sergeant Andy Penhaligon from Torquay CID said: "We are treating this incident as arson. Fortunately there were only three minor injuries but this reckless and purposeful action could have had far more serious, even fatal, consequences.
"Further enquiries are continuing to establish the exact circumstances of the fire and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity or individual in or around the hotel at the time of the offence to contact us.
"I would pay credit to the firefighters and police officers, plus the hotel owners and staff, whose swift actions and partnership work ensured the safety of guests and members of the public, as well as the local community, Torbay Council and Street Pastors who provided tremendous support to the evacuated guests."
Anyone who has information to assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101@dc.police.uk or by phone on 101, quoting crime reference CR/030215/17.
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