More than 30 fire crews tackle Weston hotel blaze

Fire crews are tackling a substantial blaze at a hotel building in Weston-super-Mare.

More than 30 firefighters were called just before 1800 BST to the Royal Pier Hotel, which is not in use, on Birnbeck Road.

The Anchor Head Hotel, some flats and the Captain's Cabin restaurant have been evacuated as a precaution.

Eight fire engines are expected to remain at the scene for some time, the fire service said.

The hotel was previously damaged in a fire in June 2009.

'Floor fell through'

Patricia Sleeman, who lives on Knightstone Island, opposite the hotel, said she came home about half an hour after the fire had begun.

She said: "I saw the floor of the hotel fall through and then the next floor fall through - right to the bottom.

"Glass blew out but most of that had gone anyway because the hotel has caught fire before.

"The flames were really bad."

A spokeswoman for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said that as yet there had been no reports of people trapped in the building.

Drivers have been asked to avoid the area as several roads have been closed.

They are Birnbeck Road, Toll Road, and the Knightstone Road junction with Lower Church Road.

It is hoped that roads will reopen at about 2330 BST.