Police want to track down three people seen near Bridgnorth blaze hotel
Police are trying to track down three people who were seen walking Alveley's Mill Hotel two-and-a-half hours before it was gutted by a fire.
The former hotel, near Bridgnorth, was completed destroyed following Monday's fire and police want to speak to the people who were seen in area at about 2.30am.
Police also wish to speak to occupants of vehicles in the Alum Bridge area, between midnight and 5am on Monday, who could also help them with their inquiries.
Investigations into a fire are being delayed because the building is still too dangerous to enter.
Police have asked the public to stay clear of the site.
Kieren Bodill, of West Mercia Police: "It is very difficult. We are continuing to work closely with the fire service and hope to establish the cause of the fire in a week or so."
Firefighters remained on the scene of the former hotel and wedding venue today four days after it was completely destroyed.
The ferocity of the fire that gutted the Mill Hotel in Alveley, near Bridgnorth, was so great fire crews have been dampening down and searching for hot spots since the blaze first broke out on Monday.
Investigations are continuing into the cause of the fire, but firefighters have confirmed 100 per cent of the building has been destroyed.
Police have said they will know more about what started the blaze once the fire service has moved off the scene.
Ashley Brown, watch manager at Bridgnorth Fire Station, said: "We are still clearing and dampening down, which has been taking place throughout the week.
"There are still some hot spots because of the intensity of the fire.
"Because of the shape and style of the building we need to make sure everything is safe before we hand it back to the responsible person.
"We are conscious of how long everything has taken but because of the complexity of the building, unfortunately needs must at the moment.
"The building has been 100 per cent destroyed by the fire and an investigation between Shropshire Fire and Rescue and the police is ongoing."
The Mill was left a shell of its former self after being gutted by Monday's blaze, which caused millions of pounds damage.
The hotel, which overlooks picturesque gardens and a pool, dates back to the 16th century and was popular with couples tying the knot from across the Midlands.
But it shut its doors unexpectedly in late September leaving staff locked out and couples facing a battle over their deposits for weddings.
Information can be passed on to police by calling 101, quoting incident 37S of Monday May 18.
