The hotel engulfed in flames in the early hours of Saturday morning.Bomb Disposal experts have this evening (Saturday) rushed to the Parkbury Hotel in Sandown – which was ravaged by fire overnight – amid fears that an explosive device has been located. As first reported by Island Echo, the empty and derelict hotel was targeted in the early hours of this morning (Saturday) in what Police and the fire service both believe was an arson attack. Some 6 pumping appliances from across the Island were tackling the blaze for over 4 hours. In the latest turn of events, a Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team has been drafted in from Portsmouth this afternoon, taking the 17:00 Wightlink car ferry from Portsmouth. Having travelled through Ryde and Brading the team arrived at the Parkbury, off Broadway, at around 18:00. Normally, the EOD team travel to the Island in their 4×4 pick-up to examine war-time ordnance. However, tonight they have travelled in a lorry that carries specialist equipment – normally utilised when dealing with improvised explosive devices. At the scene, skilled individuals have deployed a tracked robot to examine the fire-hit hotel, with fears an explosive item is contained within. Investigations are underway as to whether it was used in any way to start the fire and, in any eventuality, what it is doing in the derelict hotel. Forensic Investigators from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary have been seen leaving the hotel grounds with numerous evidence bags. Joint investigations into how the blaze was started remain ongoing. UPDATE ON SUNDAY – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed that an aerosol can with a firelighter attached to it was found at the premises last night. Explosive experts were called to the scene to offer their expertise. They stood down shortly after 19:00 without the need to carry out a controlled explosion.
The island is full of Guy Fawkes persons always ready
to torch a place to get their own way with properties.
This crap has been going on for years on the Island.
Stan the man
2 years ago
And boom (excuse the pun) there will be an application for 20 flats and a brown envelope for the council.
I can’t help laughing stuart, it is amazing that a mental retard like you hasn’t realised yet that with every passing second you are getting older and that only has one positive outcome.
It seems the owners of these buildings have moved on from arson and are now willing to blow them up! Who is out there looking out for the safety of nearby residents who might be injured?
Margaret
2 years ago
Something needs to be done over there Sandown seafront is a disgrace burn out buildings everywhere. The island is becoming more of a dump every day.
Or, as the article states, a firelighter strapped to an aerosol can. As a non-expert, that sounds like a pretty good amateur incendiary device – just that the perp didn’t get around to lighting it before having to leg it.
These hotel owners are getting more advanced at ways to Insurance fraud!
And let me guess police and fire investigations find no foul play or evidence and planning shall be granted in a months time for some new flats
The island is full of Guy Fawkes persons always ready
to torch a place to get their own way with properties.
This crap has been going on for years on the Island.
And boom (excuse the pun) there will be an application for 20 flats and a brown envelope for the council.
The whole of Sandown needs blowing up….
Let me guess some
Old fart wasting everyone time and money
I can’t help laughing stuart, it is amazing that a mental retard like you hasn’t realised yet that with every passing second you are getting older and that only has one positive outcome.
Oh be quite Reg you old goat!
Quite? .
Imagine being on your own and nobody cares for you
Reg you old fart are you ok
It seems the owners of these buildings have moved on from arson and are now willing to blow them up! Who is out there looking out for the safety of nearby residents who might be injured?
Something needs to be done over there Sandown seafront is a disgrace burn out buildings everywhere. The island is becoming more of a dump every day.
You are so right , why any one wants to come and stay on holiday in sandown I don’t no it’s a shit hole . You would see this abroad.
Sandown features on the “Jewel of the South” programme this Thursday. Let’s see how magical they make it look!
Give it a few weeks and the next one will catch fire. Is there any connection between hotel fires and insurance claimaints?
Likely just an inert round, like many people kept left over from War days.
Such a fuss now. These rounds don’t just explode for no reason even if live.
God help us when War comes again, people will be afraid of their own shadows.
The Bomb disposal squad had best book a season ticket then on the ferry.
Or, as the article states, a firelighter strapped to an aerosol can. As a non-expert, that sounds like a pretty good amateur incendiary device – just that the perp didn’t get around to lighting it before having to leg it.
Well no not an inert round, as it says in the article an aerosol with a lighter attached