A FIRE was started deliberately at the Ocean Hotel in Sandown, which required an emergency service response, the police have said.

Police were called out to the derelict property last night (Monday, August 5) following a call at 7.16pm reporting a fire in the premises.

Firefighters from Cowes, Newport, Ryde and Ventnor were called out after thick smoke was seen billowing from the former hotel.

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The smoke could be seen as far away as Culver Down. 

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, used hose reel jets and an aerial ladder platform vehicle to put out the fire and then dampen down the property.

Officers had to take off wooden boards, to gain entry to the building, via the Esplanade.

No injuries were reported.

"It’s believed that the fire was started deliberately. Police continue to investigate this incident jointly with the fire service," a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said.

This is not the first time firefighters have been called to the empty building. The most recent was less than two weeks ago, after Sandown Carnival.

Three years ago, a major blaze there left large sections of the building gutted. Since then, it has been a target for vandals on numerous occasions.

"Police are also supporting the ongoing partnership work with other agencies, including the local authority and fire service, to resolve wider issues surrounding the security of the site, and the associated anti-social behaviour and criminality," the police added.

"We urge people to please keep reporting incidents and concerns to us. The information you provide will assist all agencies with the ongoing problem-solving work."