Fire damages Victorian hotel

Crews were called to the blaze in the roof of the building

A fire which badly damaged a derelict Victorian hotel is believed to have been started deliberately.

The blaze broke out in the attic of the former Royal Pier Hotel in Clevedon, Somerset, at about 1900 BST on Sunday.

The nearby historic pier has been closed after the heat weakened a chimney breast leaving it in danger of collapse.

The Grade II listed building is at the centre of a campaign by local people to prevent it being demolished and turned into flats.

Last year North Somerset planners granted permission for all but the building's facade to be knocked down and apartments built in its place.

One resident who witnessed the blaze, said: "The smoke was bellowing over the houses, with slates coming off.

"It was quite frightening, to be honest."

The Royal Pier Hotel was used as a nightclub and bar until a few years ago.