'Eyesore' seaside hotel closed for three months

Police said the Sherwood Hotel in Torquay has become a "magnet" for anti-social behaviour

A seaside hotel which had become an "anti-social behaviour magnet" has been closed for three months.

Devon and Cornwall Police said a partial closure order for the Sherwood Hotel in Belgrave Road, Torquay, had been granted by Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

The order - the first to be used on a hotel in the region - meant only authorised people such as the landlord, utility companies and the emergency services could enter the property.

Police said officers had received several reports of anti-social behaviour and also arrested a person over an alleged sexual assault at the venue since it stopped taking paying guests several months ago.

The force said the person arrested over the reported sexual assault has been bailed while investigations continue.

Insp Rob Harvey said the hotel had fallen into disrepair and police wanted to do all they could to make people feel safe.

"The property has become an eyesore and a magnet for people intent on causing anti-social behaviour," Mr Harvey said.

"We want to assure the community that we are taking action and will continue to work with our partners to keep people in Torquay safe."