Two arrested over major fire at Folkestone seaside hotel

Kent Police confirmed that a 38-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire broke out at the Grand Burstin Hotel on Marine Parade in Folkestone. A detective at the scene said the pair had been detained but were later released while inquiries continue.

The blaze started in the early hours of Saturday, at around 01:20 BST, and led to about 280 people being evacuated from the hotel. Separately, Folkestone and Hythe District Council said 90 residents were relocated from Pavilion Court on Marine Terrace after safety inspectors raised concerns.

Twenty-six fire engines responded to the scene. Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the fire is believed to have started in the hotel's basement. Police are treating the fire as suspicious and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Britannia Hotels Group, which operates the Grand Burstin, said it was fully cooperating with the police investigation. Engineers and building inspectors visited the site to carry out structural assessments, while hotel staff worked to support affected guests.

The local council is arranging alternative housing for all displaced residents while further assessments and any necessary repair work take place at the hotel. A welfare centre was set up on Saturday for displaced hotel guests, and nearby businesses, including The Harbour Inn pub, also opened their doors to those affected.

Ross Honeycombe, who was staying at the hotel with his family, said they were woken by fire alarms around 01:00 and saw smoke billowing from the underground car park, later hearing explosions. John Dighton, a Pavilion Court resident now staying at a nearby hotel, said he had packed belongings for a few days and that the hardest part was not knowing how long they would be away from home.