Former Shropshire hotel hit by arsonists
Police today appealed for witnesses after arsonists set fire to a former Shropshire hotel causing serious damage to part of the building.
The Lea Manor Hotel on the A464 near Albrighton has been closed for the past two years and nothing of value remains on the premises.
However, the main office has been used by the caretaker and stored bundles of paperwork connected to the running of the hotel.
The office was broken into yesterday and set alight resulting in serious damage and the closure of the A464 while Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service tackled the fire.
Police Constable Mike Jenkins, the investigating officer, said today: “I am appealing for any information which might assist inquiries into this fire.
“In particular, I am anxious to hear from anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in the vicinity of the building early yesterday morning. If you spotted anything which might be connected to this incident, contact Shifnal or Bridgnorth police stations on 0300-333-3000.”
PC Jenkins said the fire broke out at about 7am. “The offenders broke into the building by removing boarding from a window. During the subsequent search of the property, the main office was entered and set alight resulting in substantial damage to this area of the building.”
The main road was closed for about two hours while the fire service attended.
Information about the identities of those responsible can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111, for which a reward may be paid.
