Severe fire at Falmouth Beach Hotel in Cornwall

A major fire has destroyed a seafront hotel in Cornwall.

About 30 people were moved to safety from the Falmouth Beach Hotel, at Gyllyngvase in Falmouth, as 100 firefighters tackled the blaze.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said the alarm was raised just after 12:00 BST. Ten appliances and two aerial platforms are at the scene.

Devon and Cornwall Police said about a dozen guests who were unaccounted for were believed to be on day trips.

The roof of the hotel, which is operated by Best Western, has collapsed. There are no reports of any injuries.

One of the guests staying at the Falmouth Beach was musician and Blur member Graham Coxon, who is due to perform at the town's Princess Pavilion venue later.

On his Twitter page, he said: "We have rooms at the beach hotel and had to leave when the smell of smoke."

He later added: "We watched it... We had to leave the foyer and then watch it get worse and worse..rather sad."

The neighbouring St Michael's Hotel has also been evacuated.

A helicopter from RNAS Culdrose has been used to view the state of the building from above.

The fire started on the third floor of the four-storey property, but has spread throughout.

The mayor of Falmouth, Geoffrey Evans, described the fire as "absolutely horrendous", adding that it "couldn't have happened at a worse time".

"It's right at the start of the holiday season, we've got the Olympic Torch coming in a few weeks, and the Finn Cup (sailing competition) as well, so I don't know how this is going to affect accommodation," Mr Evans said.

"I think the hotel was fully booked, so to lose such a prominent hotel at this time of the year is a complete disaster.

"The smoke's going right through the town and the fire has spread and completely gutted one side of the hotel.

"It's unbelievable and absolutely horrendous."

Surrounding roads have been closed due to the fire.

The 120-bedroom hotel, which is one of the biggest in the town, was opened in 1984 by the Evans family. It was taken over by Best Western in 2000.

A statement issued by Best Western said: "All guests have been evacuated and the emergency services are battling to get the blaze under control.

"We are currently trying to speak with the owner of the property to find out further information."

Staff and residents from both hotels have been moved to the Gylly Beach cafe and the Green Lawns Hotel.

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