Published: April 23, 2008
Police appeal for witnesses after huge fire at former Highbridge Hotel

Police issued an appeal for witnesses on Wednesday (April 23rd) following the dramatic blaze which destroyed an historic former hotel in the centre of Highbridge on Tuesday.

News of the big blaze broke first on Burnham-On-Sea.com after emergency services were called to the former Highbridge Hotel, which was well alight.

Although the fire was extinguished in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the damage has left the building unsafe. As a result, police and fire investigators have been unable to enter or examine the property to determine the cause of the blaze.

"Although police currently have no reports of anyone missing, it is yet to be confirmed whether anyone is currently inside the premises," said police spokesman Dan Mountain. The comments came after concerns that two homeless people may have been living in the derelict building.

"Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around the hotel last night or may have any information as to any people who may have been inside the hotel building last night," added Mr Mountain.

"A number of people were in the area at the time of the fire with some reporting they had seen people in the building earlier in the evening."

The A38 Market Street will remain closed until Thursday at the earliest or until the front of the building is made safe by structural engineers.

Anyone with information should contact Bridgwater CID on 0845 4567000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.