Elderly man dies in 'suspicious' hotel fire

Police in Cumbria have launched a murder investigation after an elderly man died following a hotel blaze.

The suspicious fire at the Kendal Hotel in Highgate, Kendal, is thought to have started some time in the early hours of Sunday.

The 62-year-old victim, a long-term resident believed to originate from Northern Ireland, was rescued by firefighters but died later in Westmorland General Hospital.

Police say a 41-year-old local man has been arrested in connection with the fire and is being questioned by detectives at Kendal police station.

The victim, who is thought to come from County Antrim, had previously lived in Carlisle.

Eight people were living in the Lake District hotel, which is situated on two floors above a courtyard and is used by the Department of Social Security.

It is believed that two other residents were taken to hospital by paramedics.

"A murder inquiry has been launched," said a Cumbria Police spokesman. "Police are anxious to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area."