Derelict seaside hotel ablaze

Around 30 people have been evacuated from their homes and a police major incident declared this evening after fire broke out at a derelict seaside hotel.

The fire at the four-story Cedars Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall, began shortly before 4.30pm and is still burning, police said.

A rest centre has been set up for people moved from homes close to the hotel on Mount Wise, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

A spokesman said the force had declared the fire a major incident.

“At this time the fire is still burning and the hotel has been evacuated,” he said.

“A number of local residents surrounding the hotel have been evacuated as a precaution.

“The Cornwall Council emergency planning officer has opened a local rest centre for approximately 30 displaced residents.

“At this time there have been no reports of any injuries.”

Cornwall Fire and Rescue service said it had six pumps, an aerial ladder and other vehicles at the scene.