Two arrested over major fire at Folkestone hotel
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... (rest of the structure is preserved)
By Tanya Gupta
South East
Published 21 September 2026, 14:49 BST
Updated 11 minutes ago
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire at a seaside hotel which led to hundreds of people being evacuated.
Kent Police said a 38-year-old man and 21-year-old woman were held after the blaze at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone on Saturday.
Kent Police:
- A 38-year-old man and 21-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of arson.
- Released while inquiries continue.
Fire Breakdown:
- Blaze broke out at Grand Burstin Hotel in Marine Parade, Folkestone, early Saturday.
- About 280 people evacuated from hotel; 90 relocated from neighbouring Pavilion Court due to safety concerns.
- Twenty six fire engines sent to scene; fire believed to have started in basement.
Hotel and Community Response:
- Britannia Hotels Group fully cooperating with police.
- Welfare centre set up for hotel residents, nearby businesses offering aid.
Witness Accounts:
- Ross Honeycombe: "We heard explosions after being woken by fire alarms."
- John Dighton (Pavilion Court resident): "Not knowing how long we'd be away from our homes was the worst thing."
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