2 teenage boys from Ventnor have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a major blaze at the derelict Esplanade Hotel in Sandown during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed that the boys, both aged 17, were arrested following enquiries into the fire, which broke out at the former hotel on High Street shortly after 03:30 on Sunday morning, as first reported by Island Echo.
Firefighters from across the Isle of Wight and the mainland were mobilised to the former Esplanade Hotel, which famously once hosted Jimi Hendrix, after smoke was spotted rising from the derelict building.
The flames quickly took hold, with the incident escalating as crews battled to contain and extinguish the blaze.
Road closures were put in place around High Street and Esplanade, with nearby residents advised to keep their doors and windows closed due to smoke in the area.
It is not the first time the former hotel has been hit by fire. In July 2020, firefighters discovered 2 separate seats of fire inside the building following a break-in, whilst another blaze spread across the first, second and third floors in September 2025.
Police have now confirmed that extensive enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this latest fire.
Both teenagers have been released on bail until 11th January 2027.
Anyone with information that could assist the ongoing investigation is urged to contact Police on 101, quoting reference 44260498905.
