Detectives have arrested two teenage girls following a devastating fire that completely destroyed a historic hotel in Worcestershire on Sunday. West Mercia Police confirmed the suspects, aged 13 and 14, were detained on suspicion of arson after the blaze gutted the Grade II-listed Raven Hotel on St Andrews Street in Droitwich Spa.
Emergency crews responded rapidly to reports of the fire at 4.45pm on Sunday, with the first fire engine reaching the scene within two minutes. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service deployed eight fire engines and multiple specialist vehicles to tackle the blaze, which caused no injuries but left the building totally destroyed.
Police said the fire was believed to have been started deliberately but thankfully nobody had been injured. Officers confirmed both teenagers were arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the major blaze that gutted the historic former hotel.
Police investigation continues
Both teenagers have been released on bail while the investigation continues, West Mercia Police confirmed in a statement issued on Monday. Officers remain at the scene and are urging the public to stay away from the area while their inquiries proceed.
The force is treating the incident as suspected arson while investigations continue at the historic site. Detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deliberately set fire.
Building's troubled history
The privately-owned building had been surrounded by scaffolding since September 2024, when guttering and debris fell into the road below. Wychavon District Council had ordered urgent safety works after finding the disused structure, parts of which date back to the 16th century, posed risks to public safety.
The council had secured a court order requiring urgent repairs to protect the building and public. These essential works were due to complete this week before the devastating fire struck.
Emergency response praised
Fire service Group Commander Simon Cusack commended his teams' professionalism during what he described as a challenging incident. He praised the rapid response and teamwork that ensured the fire was quickly contained and extinguished without injury, while thanking the public for their support.
Wychavon District Council expressed the community's devastation over losing the historic building, acknowledging its significance to the town. The authority confirmed it would still invoice the building's owner for the urgent repair costs, while building control officers assess the structure's condition and determine next steps.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
