A MAJOR fire which broke out at an Isle of Wight hotel in the early hours of the morning (Saturday) is being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed.

A joint police and fire service investigation is underway to determine the cause of a fire at the Parkbury Hotel, on Broadway in Sandown.

Fire crews from Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Cowes and Ventnor were all called to the scene following a report of smoke issuing from the derelict just before 1am.

The road was closed for a time to allow access for emergency vehicles.

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Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used jets, hose reel jets and an aerial ladder platform to tackle the flames on the second floor and roof space.

“We are investigating the exact cause of a suspicious fire at an address in Broadway, Sandown, which was reported to us just after 1am today,” said a spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Fire crews began to leave the scene following a stop message at 5.30am.

Fortunately, there were no casualties, confirmed the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

The County Press is told police were knocking on the doors of nearby residents this morning, asking if they saw or heard anything in the early hours of the morning.