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| Arson probe at young farmers' hotel in Devon | Arson probe at young farmers' hotel in Devon |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A fire at a hotel where more than 100 young farmers were staying is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life, police said. | A fire at a hotel where more than 100 young farmers were staying is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life, police said. |
| The blaze broke out in the basement of the Bancourt Hotel in Torquay, Devon, in the early hours of Sunday. | The blaze broke out in the basement of the Bancourt Hotel in Torquay, Devon, in the early hours of Sunday. |
| Three people were injured, including a staff member, and taken to Torbay District Hospital. | Three people were injured, including a staff member, and taken to Torbay District Hospital. |
| Police called the fire "reckless and purposeful" and said it could have had "fatal consequences". | Police called the fire "reckless and purposeful" and said it could have had "fatal consequences". |
| Up to 80 guests, all of whom were young farmers, were evacuated from the hotel in Avenue Road when the fire broke out at just after midnight on Sunday. | Up to 80 guests, all of whom were young farmers, were evacuated from the hotel in Avenue Road when the fire broke out at just after midnight on Sunday. |
| The National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs' (NFYFC) annual convention was being held in Torquay this weekend. | |
| 'Significant damage' | 'Significant damage' |
| Ten fire engines attended the scene, and firefighters spent several hours scouring the building to ensure everyone was accounted for. | Ten fire engines attended the scene, and firefighters spent several hours scouring the building to ensure everyone was accounted for. |
| Two people suffered from the effects of smoke inhalation and another sustained a cut to the arm. | Two people suffered from the effects of smoke inhalation and another sustained a cut to the arm. |
| All of the hotel's guests, more than 100 people, were given overnight accommodation at the Riviera International Conference Centre. | All of the hotel's guests, more than 100 people, were given overnight accommodation at the Riviera International Conference Centre. |
| The bar area suffered what was described as "significant" damage and the rest of the building was affected by smoke. | The bar area suffered what was described as "significant" damage and the rest of the building was affected by smoke. |
| Det Sgt Andy Penhaligon from Torquay CID, said: "Fortunately, there were only three minor injuries but this reckless and purposeful action could have had far more serious, even fatal, consequences. | Det Sgt Andy Penhaligon from Torquay CID, said: "Fortunately, there were only three minor injuries but this reckless and purposeful action could have had far more serious, even fatal, consequences. |
| "I would pay credit to the firefighters and police officers, plus the hotel owners and staff, whose swift actions and partnership work ensured the safety of guests and members of the public." | "I would pay credit to the firefighters and police officers, plus the hotel owners and staff, whose swift actions and partnership work ensured the safety of guests and members of the public." |
| He appealed for anyone who saw suspicious activity around the hotel to come forward. | He appealed for anyone who saw suspicious activity around the hotel to come forward. |
| The NFYFC said it has set up an incident telephone line for anyone concerned about a family member at the convention, on 07495 903 430. |