Two girls, 13 and 14, arrested on suspicion of arson after Raven Hotel destroyed in fire
The former Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, which has been derelict for over a decade, was gutted by the blaze which broke out yesterday afternoon.
Locals gathered outside to watch as the building burnt to the ground with some said to have been in tears – and a councillor describing it as 'truly heartbreaking'.
West Mercia Police investigators believe the blaze was started deliberately and arrested the two girls on suspicion of arson before releasing them on bail.
The building dates back to the 16th century after a previous structure was damaged in a fire in 1290, and King Charles II is said to have lodged there in 1645.
But the hotel closed in 2010 and has fallen into significant disrepair, despite plans having been approved in 2022 for its conversion into 48 homes and flats.
Neil Franks, Green councillor for Droitwich on Wychavon District Council, told BBC Hereford and Worcester: 'Bit by bit seeing it crumbling, going up in ash, and the outpouring of grief on the streets and on social media was very difficult to watch.'
He added that the hotel 'meant so much to the town and it's truly heartbreaking', and hoped its sign could be rescued before the building is likely demolished.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: 'Police attended a large fire at the Raven Hotel on St Andrews Street in Droitwich around 4.45pm yesterday afternoon.
'It was believed the fire had been started deliberately but thankfully nobody has been injured. Two girls, 13 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of arson and have since been released on bail.
'Officers remain at the scene, and we ask that the public stay away from the area at this time.'
A Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said crews 'responded swiftly' to the 'significant fire', with the first fire engine arrived on scene within two minutes of the initial emergency call.
Eight fire engines and further specialist vehicles were deployed to tackle the blaze, which was eventually extinguished.
Two fire engines then remained on site to damp down residual hotspots and ensure the area was safe.
The service confirmed there were no casualties and a specialist fire investigation officer is working with police to establish the cause. However, the fire has 'totally destroyed the building'.
It added: 'We are grateful to the local community for their cooperation during the incident, particularly in keeping windows and doors closed as advised. Their support played a vital role in helping emergency services manage the situation effectively.'
Group Commander Simon Cusack said: 'This was a challenging incident, and I want to commend the professionalism and dedication of our firefighters and partner agencies.
'The rapid response and teamwork ensured that the fire was quickly contained and extinguished without injury. We appreciate the public's support and will continue to work with the local authority and business owner to secure the site.'
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