Work is ongoing to resolve 'wider issues' at an arson-hit derelict hotel, police have said, after the Isle of Wight seafront building was targeted for the second time in a week.
As the County Press reported, firefighters were called to the old Ocean Hotel last night (Thursday).
Police and the fire service believe the blaze, on the third floor of the property, was started 'deliberately'.
It was an almost identical story on Monday (August 5), when emergency services were again alerted after smoke was seen emanating from the building.
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it is 'making enquiries' into the fires.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Police continue to support 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.
"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."
Last night, fire crews from Sandown, Shanklin and Ryde crews used breathing apparatus, hose reels and jets to put out the flames.
(Image: Contributed)
(Image: Contributed)
Nobody was found inside the property.
In February 2022, the Isle of Wight Council issued a Section 215 order to force Durham-based Phoenix Commercial Property Development (PCPD) to tidy up the hotel.
The local authority said the building's appearance significantly harmed both the land around it and the town itself.
It set out 15 actions, which PCPD was required to comply with by July 11, including repairing fencing, removing greenery and cleaning the property.
The company appealed the decision, but this was rejected in court in November 2023 and PCPD was ordered to pay costs of £5,940.91.
At the time, court heard PCPD had around five months to carry out the work.
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