Arson inquiry after hotel blaze (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Arson inquiry after hotel blaze

5:52pm Sunday 12th November 2006 in Swindon By Lewis Cowen

Swindon police have appealed for witnesses after 22 residents had to be evacuated from the Regent Hotel in Victoria Road in the early hours of Saturday morning when fire broke out.

Several had to be treated for smoke inhalation but no one was seriously hurt in the blaze.

One resident tried to put out the flames before escaping to an upper floor.

Police wish to speak to the driver of a silver van who told emergency services at the scene he had seen a man acting suspiciously at the rear of the hotel before the fire broke out.

They are also seeking a man wearing shorts and carrying a carrier bag.

Anyone with information should contact Swindon police on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.