Derelict Coppice Hotel in Torquay deliberately set on fire, say police

A fire which broke out at a derelict building in Torquay overnight is believed to have been started deliberately. Police believe a fire was set at the Coppice Hotel in Barrington Road on purpose and are appealing for information in connection to the suspected arson.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at about 2.40am today (Thursday, November 14) after receiving reports of smoke coming from the building. A road closure was put in place at Babbacombe Road while emergency services were at the scene.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said two crews of firefighters from Torquay and Paignton were sent to the incident. On arriving, two more fire engines were sent out, with an aerial ladder platform from Torquay.

Babbacombe Road has since been reopened, a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson has confirmed.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police were called by the fire service at 3.30am today following a fire at a derelict property on Barrington Road, Torquay. The cause of the fire remains under investigation but is believed to have been set deliberately.

"A road closure was put in place but this has since been lifted. Anyone with information which may assist enquiries is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 50240288279."

It is the second significant fire at the hotel this year, after a major blaze tore through the Coppice in February. That fire was also believed to have been started deliberately.

A neighbour told DevonLive at the time that children regularly break into the building and it was "just a matter of time" before a serious incident occurred.