Two teenage girls have been arrested in connection with a fire that has destroyed a Grade II-listed former hotel in Worcestershire. West Mercia Police confirmed that the girls, aged 13 and 14, have been released on bail pending further inquiries into the blaze at the Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa.
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Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to the fire at 4:45pm on Sunday. The first fire engine arrived at the scene within two minutes of the emergency call. In total, eight fire engines and several specialist vehicles were deployed. The blaze caused extensive damage, completely gutting the building, though no injuries were reported.
In a statement on Monday, West Mercia Police said:
“Police attended a large fire at the Raven Hotel on St Andrew’s Street in Droitwich. It was believed the fire had been started deliberately but thankfully nobody has been injured. Two girls, 13 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of arson and have since been released on bail.”
Officers have urged the public to avoid the area as the investigation continues, and police remain at the scene.
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The Raven Hotel, which is privately owned, has been under scaffolding since September last year after guttering and debris fell into the road. The incident prompted an urgent inspection by Wychavon District Council, which concluded that the condition of the disused property — parts of which date back to the 16th century — posed a safety risk to the public. Group Commander Simon Cusack of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service praised the efforts of all involved:
“This was a challenging incident, and I want to commend the professionalism and dedication of our firefighters and partner agencies. The rapid response and teamwork ensured that the fire was quickly contained and extinguished without injury. We appreciate the public’s support and will continue to work with the local authority and business owner to secure the site.”
