Detectives have launched a criminal investigation after treating a major fire at a hotel on Marine Parade in Folkestone as suspected arson.
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 1:20 am on Saturday, 19 September 2026. Officers from Kent Police attended alongside Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews to assist with traffic management and public safety while firefighters worked to contain the outbreak.
Following initial inquiries into the origin of the blaze, investigators now believe the fire may have been started deliberately.
Officers are urgently appealing for witnesses, local residents, or motorists with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward, particularly those with recordings captured in the area between 10:00 pm on Friday, 18 September and 12:30 am on Saturday, 19 September.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/155727/26, upload footage directly via the online portal, or report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.