New appeal over Bridgnorth hotel arson attack
Police are still searching for people who were walking near a hotel when it was destroyed by fire.
Investigators have made a fresh appeal to anyone who was near The Mill Hotel in Alveley, near Bridgnorth, to come forward – even if it is anonymously – as they try to piece together what happened on May 18. Police have confirmed they are investigating a possible arson attack. The safety of the building has been handed over to Shropshire Council but investigations are being jointly led by the fire officers and the police.
Sarah-Jane Lynch, spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, said: "Police are treating the fire at the hotel as arson and are linking in closely to the fire service.
"Investigations are ongoing and we once again ask anyone with information to come forward directly or anonymously.
"The site still remains extremely dangerous and should not be entered.
"We are still seeking to speak to anyone in the vicinity of the hotel during the hours before the fire was reported.
"People known to have been walking in the area of the hotel in the hours previously have not come forward. We strongly urge them to do so in order to assist our investigations."
Responsibility for a former hotel has been handed over to the local authority.
Paul McGreary, Shropshire Council director for Public Protection, said: "Shropshire Council Public Protection Services officers have, over recent weeks, been working with West Mercia Police to find the best solution for securing The Mill Hotel, which had been subject to theft and vandalism over a sustained period.
"The property has many entry points and this presents major practical challenges in guaranteeing its security and protection from unauthorised entry for those who have criminal intent.
"It had been subject to significant damage before officers were asked to intervene to prevent further damage.
"In these circumstances Shropshire Council officers can exercise powers to prevent unauthorised entry and to stop the building becoming a danger to public health.
"However, in order to successfully exercise these powers, notice must be served on the appropriate legal entity, such as the owners of the property.
"In normal circumstances this should be a straightforward exercise but given the hotel's closure in late 2014 and uncertainty about the ownership the council was not in a position to serve notice until May 15.
"Given the scale and complexity of the site and challenges to secure it safely, it would have been impossible to deliver complete security and prevent unauthorised access."
Mr McGreary said despite the council's efforts to prevent further damage the property had been severely damaged by fire.
"Public protection and building control officers have been on site to ensure immediate safety and will continue to work closely with colleagues from the police and fire services to help in any way with their investigations," he said.
Information can be passed on to police by calling 101 quoting incident 37S of May 18.
