Published: May 1, 2008
Two Highbridge teenagers arrested by police investigating hotel fire

Two teenagers have been arrested by police in connection with last week's fire at the former Highbridge Hotel.

Burnham police confirmed on Thursday (May 1st) that a 16 and 17 year old had been arrested.

Police spokesman Dan Mountain told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "A 16 year old boy and a 17 year old boy from Highbridge have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. Both have been given police bail pending further enquiries."

The arrests come ahead of a meeting to discuss the fire.

Although the fire was extinguished in the early hours of last Wednesday morning (April 23rd), the blaze left the building in such an unsafe state that fire investigators have been unable to fully examine the property.

A public meeting will be held at 5.30pm in Highbridge Community Hall on Thursday evening (May 1st) when Derek Mead, the owner of the land, will discuss his reaction to the fire and air his views on the future of the site.

Traders in the town are also pressing for compensation following the four-day closure of the A38 after the fire.