Published: June 4, 2009
In photos: Burnham fire crews called to Weston hotel fire

Two fire engines from Burnham-On-Sea were called to Weston-super-Mare on Thursday evening (June 4th) after a major blaze swept through a seafront hotel.

Dozens of firefighters from across the area were battling to save The Royal Pier Hotel near Weston's Birnbeck Pier.

Police closed roads on and around the seafront and approximately 20 residents from nearby homes were evacuated.

A spokeswoman for Avon Fire and Rescue said 50 firefighters and 10 appliances were at the scene.

Burnham-On-Sea fire station officer Ian Hazelton told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Both our crews are on standby at Weston Fire Station to help deal with the situation. There are a lot of resources being used."

Witnesses said that one end of the hotel had been devastated by the blaze, with fire teams hoping to stop the fire spreading.

Police said on Friday that they have arrested two men, aged 20 and 37, on suspicion of arson and police enquiries are continuing.

Our photos show the scene of the blaze on Thursday evening, with fire crews using tall ladders to try and control the incident