UK: Man arrested after starting fire and attempting to burn down hotel

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life after a fire broke out in a hotel in Stevenage.

Police and firefighters were called to the Ibis in The Forum just before midnight last night (January 1) to reports of a fire on the fifth floor.

Eleven fire engines attended the scene and “crews worked extremely hard and quickly to extinguish the fire, while assisting residents with evacuating the building,” a spokesperson for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

All residents were evacuated safely and nobody was injured.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “Police were called at 11.53pm yesterday, following reports of a fire at the Ibis hotel in Stevenage in The Forum.

“It is reported that a laundry bin was on fire on the fifth floor.

“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the fire and ambulance service.

“A number of guests were evacuated as a precaution, with three people treated for minor smoke inhalation.

“The evacuated guests were able to return to the hotel by 3am.

“A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life and remains in custody at this time.”

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: “The premises were safely evacuated, the fire was extinguished and residents were able to return to their rooms.”

An investigation will now take place into the cause of the fire.

The Ibis hotel is currently being used to accommodate asylum seekers.

The county council spokesperson said: “While the guests were placed in the hotel by the Home Office, support has been and will continue to be provided by officers from Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.”