Blackpool's Grand Hotel in Station Road has been destroyed in a fire described by Lancashire Constabulary as 'suspicious'. Three people, seen in the area before the fire started on the evening of 27 July, are being sought by police.

More than 100 firefighters fought the blaze at the structure - which a fire service spokesperson described as being 'like something from the blitz' - leading people from both it and the adjacent Paris Casino to safety. Nearby guesthouses and hotels were also evacuated as a precaution. The hotel, which had been up for sale for £1.3m, comprised five en-suite hotel rooms and 51 self-catering holiday flats. Facilities included a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, spa pool and solarium, plus Penrods bar.

Blackpool Council said that roads in the area would stay closed for some time while the remains of the building are demolished.