Man dies in seafront hotel fire

About 100 firefighters were tackling the blaze at its height

A man died and several people were taken to hospital after a fire at a seafront hotel in Blackpool.

The fire broke out in the basement of the four-storey Manor Hotel on Central Promenade at about 0330 BST.

Five residents were inside at the time, including a couple from Scotland and a man who died after becoming trapped in his room on the second floor.

He was rescued by firefighters but later died in hospital after suffering a heart attack.

The fire also affected the neighbouring Waverley Hotel, which was also evacuated.

Twelve fire engines were called to the scene and at its height, about 100 firefighters were tackling the blaze.

They were forced to get out of the building after part of it collapsed.

The severity of the blaze was such that the breathing apparatus of one firefighter was smouldering and started to burn as he searched the building.

Sixty people were evacuated from neighbouring hotels and taken to safety in a nearby leisure centre.

Five residents were inside when the fire broke out

A section of the promenade between Rigby Street and Vauxhall Square was closed, and the tram service along the promenade was suspended.

Jade Cook and her partner Kenny Harper, both from Edinburgh, were inside The Manor Hotel when the fire broke out.

They said they were gasping for air as thick smoke filled the building.

Mr Harper said: "I had to hold Jade's hand to be able to see it was that dark, and that smoky."

It is not yet clear how the fire started but fire investigators remain at the scene.

John Taylor, of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It was a very intense fire.

"It seems to have started in the basement but there is no information as to the cause - we can't rule anything out."