Disused hotel ravaged by fire housed a ‘sophisticated’ cannabis factory, say police

A derelict hotel which went up in flames was being used as a ‘sophisticated’ cannabis factory, police said tonight (Thursday).

As we reported earlier, firefighters were called to a blaze at the building on Belmont Road at 2.51am.

They found fire on multiple levels of what used to be the Marine Residence hotel, and used the aerial platform and firefighters in breathing apparatus to bring it under control.

At 3.30am they also called in police.

Officers discovered that the empty property housed many cannabis plants.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “The building is believed to have been unoccupied at the time of the fire, but there is evidence people had been staying inside to tend to the cannabis plants which will be recovered by the police in due course.

“Fire investigators have determined that the cause of fire was electrical.

“Police enquiries are ongoing in and around the hotel as officers investigate who is involved in the cannabis factory.”

A safety cordon was placed around the site as firefighters worked to tackle the blaze.

It could take up to two days for the fire to go out completely, with crews re-attending during the day to put out pockets of flames.

If you can help police with their inquiries, you can contact them on the numbers below.

How to help the police

• Call North Yorkshire Police on 101
• Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website
• Quote reference number 12220229340