Four teens arrested over hotel '˜arson'

FOUR teenagers have been arrested in connection with a blaze at a derelict Wigan hotel at the weekend.
The Grand Hotel on Dorning StreetThe Grand Hotel on Dorning Street
The Grand Hotel on Dorning Street

Police launched an investigation following Sunday’s fire at the Grand Hotel on Dorining Street.

Emergency services were called to the disused building shortly after 3pm with firefighters reporting seeing people inside upon their arrival.

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A police spokesman has today confirmed that four male youths have since been arrested in connection with the incident. Two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old have been bailed until March 16, while police are still questioning a 15-year-old.

Meanwhile, the owner of the hotel said he is satisfied with security measures on the site.

David Mayhall, director of Grand Hotel (Wigan) Ltd, said: “The building is boarded up and there are fences covered in barbed wire (preventing access).

Mr Mayhall, who is also a company director of borough based AllGates brewery, said he hopes the former hotel could be used for a residential flats and office development.

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The building shares a covered walkway with the Anvil, which had to be evacuated during the fire, and there are certain legal hurdles to be cleared before a planning application can be submitted to the town hall, he added.

He said: “It is in a conservation area with it being next to the parish church so things have been difficult.”