An investigation has been launched into the cause of a fire at the Bear Hotel in Blackburn. The blaze tore through most of the hotel around 4:30am on Sunday, which even caused the roof to collapse. Staff working at the time and the venue’s guests were able to evacuate the building before over 50 firefighters arrived. It took about 3 hours for the fire crews to get rid of the flames.

According to police on Monday night, they are treating the incident as arson. Detectives have issued a description of a man that was seen near the 22-room hotel only hours before the fire was started. They say he is about 5 foot 8 inches and was wearing dark tracksuit bottoms, a dark jacket and white trainers.

Neil Ashton, Blackburn CID detective inspector, said that the crime scene is very difficult and complex to examine, and it’s his understanding that it will take a lot of time to complete the investigation. He admitted that they haven’t established how and where the fire was started, but believes it was intentional. The man in question was having a confrontation with a staff member outside the hotel about 3 hours before the fire, and they want to talk to him about it, Ashton continued. He added that they were fortunate the flames didn’t spread to other buildings and that the occupants were able to escape.

Authorities are also asking a man that was seen across from the hotel at the time of the fire to come forward, as they wish to ask him questions as well. They also ask for anyone with information to contact the police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers at 0800 555111.