Arson inquiry launched into blaze at former Humber Bridge hotel

Pictures show the roof of the former hotel has collapsed

A fire which tore through a former hotel is being treated as arson, police said.

About 20 firefighters tackled the blaze at the disused Humber Bridge Country Hotel, off Far Ings Road, in Barton, on Wednesday morning.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) said while the exact cause was still under investigation the fire had been "labelled as deliberate ignition".

Humberside Police said it was "investigating a report of arson".

"Thankfully nobody was injured as a result of the incident," a police spokesperson added.

The force has appealed for witnesses or anyone with CCTV footage taken in the area at the time of the incident to get in touch.

At its height three fire engines and specialist equipment were used to tackle the blaze in Barton

A spokesperson for HFRS said: "There was substantial fire and structural damage, however our firefighters were able to save half of the building from fire and smoke damage.

"The fire has been labelled as deliberate ignition as it is derelict building and was unoccupied at the time of the incident. The root cause of the fire is still to be confirmed as the investigation continues.

"We ask that people continue to avoid the area and do not attempt to enter the building as the structure is extremely unstable."