Suspicious fires investigated

The Arson Task Force will investigate the incidents

Police and the Cornwall fire brigade are to investigate a fire which seriously damaged a derelict building on Monday night.

Four fire crews tackled the flames at a former hotel in Stamford Road in Stratton, near Bude, which is at the centre of plans for redevelopment in the area.

Flames were seen coming from the roof of the building at about 1800 BST.

Firefighters made the decision to allow the fire to run its course because there was no danger to life or to other properties.

Damping down

Two fire engines from Bude and two from Launceston were sent to the scene.

But the building, which is at the centre of a planning application to create flats on the site, was already well alight.

Crews remained at the scene until late in the night to damp down the remains of the building.

The Arson Task Force will investigate what caused the fire. Devon and Cornwall Police say it is being treated as arson.

Meanwhile, two barn fires which broke out on Monday night in Cubert and Fiddler's Green, near St Newlyn East, are being treated as deliberate.

The fire brigade were called to Fiddler's Green just before 2200 BST to a barn containing farm machinery.

Crews from Truro, Camborne and Newquay brought the flames under control.

Minutes later, crews from St Columb, Redruth and Perranporth were called to Cubert after reports of a fire in a barn containing hay.