Crews tackle fire at listed hotel

Orsett Hall is a popular venue for weddings

More than 70 firefighters are tackling a blaze which broke out at a Grade-II listed hotel in Essex.

Orsett Hall, in Orsett, was evacuated after the fire broke out in the kitchens of the 21-bedroom property on Friday morning.

Crews were later withdrawn from inside the hotel because of safety fears.

A fire service spokesman said: "We will continue to get hoses on the fire from outside but I can't say whether it will be possible to save the building."

Events booked

A lack of water has hampered operations, but efforts were being made to get water to the scene.

The hotel is a popular wedding and conference venue and a marquee is on the lawn in readiness for an afternoon event.

A fire service spokesman said: "The blaze appears to have started in the kitchen but because of the age of the property there are lots of voids and timber beams and the fire quickly spread.

"At the moment we are searching the roof voids to find the seat of the fire."

The hotel management is trying to set up an information number for members of the public to call if they have upcoming events booked at the hotel.