Police say they will continue to support partner agencies to find long-term solutions to derelict buildings such as the Cygnet Hotel, following Saturday’s major blaze in Sandown which is being treated as suspicious.
The fire at the former hotel on Carter Street began shortly before 17:25 on Saturday (19th October), with multiple appliances from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service mobilised to tackle the flames. Crews remained on scene for over 14 hours.
Taking to social media in the aftermath of the fire, Sgt Ben Sharland of the South and North East Wight Neighbourhood Policing Team has said:
“We will continue to work tirelessly to support our partners to find long term solutions to buildings of this nature.”
The Cygnet Hotel has been targeted several times previously, with the last significant fire being in June 2024. Saturday’s incident was the most destructive to date, leaving the building severely damaged and reigniting concerns over the risks posed by long-term derelict properties in the town.
Sandown has seen a number of similar fires in recent years at empty hotels, including the Ocean Hotel, Parkbury Hotel, Esplanade Hotel, Tarvic2 Hotel and Royal Cliff Hotel. Many of the affected buildings have stood unused for extended periods and become magnets for trespassing and anti-social behaviour.
No arrests have been made in connection with the latest fire. Police say enquiries are ongoing, with on-scene investigations taking place this morning.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary on 101 or via the force’s website.
Council need to get them knocked down..No more fires
Exactly.
There does not seem to be a lot of brains on the island
at the so called authorities.
If they flattened these eyesores, not only would it
prevent fires happening.
It would save Emergency services time.
What a complete waste of money.
Time to bulldoze the eyesores.
Council? I think we can all see what they’re good for (very little) and it certainly isn’t Sandown.
Shame there’s not a scheme in place for property owners that fold a business to lease their property over to the council to be used as temporary accommodation before they go deralict..