TWO teenage girls have been arrested over the fire which has completely destroyed the Raven Hotel in Droitwich.
The pair – aged 13 and 14 – were held on suspicion of arson and have since been released on bail.
Police suspect the blaze may have been started deliberately.
Officers remain at the scene, and are asking that the public stay away from the area at this time.
How the incident unfolded
The first Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crew arrived on the scene within two minutes at 4.45pm.
Picture by Stuart Webb. s
In total, eight fire engines and multiple specialist vehicles were deployed to tackle the blaze.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our crews and multi-agency partners, the fire was successfully extinguished.
At present, two fire engines remain on site to damp down residual hotspots and ensure the area is safe.
Picture – Gemma Roberts-Hindle. s
A Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We are grateful to the local community for their cooperation during the incident, particularly in keeping windows and doors closed as advised. Their support played a vital role in helping emergency services manage the situation effectively.
“We can confirm that there were no casualties and a specialist fire investigation officer is working with colleagues from West Mercia Police to establish the cause.
“However, the fire has totally destroyed the building.”
Picture by Stuart Webb. s
Group Commander Simon Cusack added: “This was a challenging incident, and I want to commend the professionalism and dedication of our firefighters and partner agencies.
“The rapid response and teamwork ensured that the fire was quickly contained and extinguished without injury.
“We appreciate the public’s support and will continue to work with the local authority and business owner to secure the site.”
Picture by Paul Harley. s
Further updates will be given as the investigation continues.
During the blaze, residents living near the building were told to close their doors and windows to avoid the masses of smoke getting in.
Severn Trent – ‘Impact on water supplies’
Severn Trent has said because of the amount of water being taken from hydrants in the area, residents living near to the Raven Hotel could experience a lower water pressure or discoloured water.
Those affected have been told ‘not to worry as the water will return to its usual clarity over time’.
