Young farmers evacuated as fire breaks out at their hotel

Up to 80 guests had to be evacuated from a Devon hotel after a large-scale fire broke out in the basement.

The guests, who were Young Farmers, were staying at the Bancourt Hotel in Torquay for their national conference - and were given emergency accommodation at the nearby Riviera Centre.

Police say they believe the fire was started deliberately, and are now investigating.

Three people, including a staff member, sustained minor injuries and were taken to Torbay District Hospital, two suffering from smoke inhalation and another with a cut arm.

He paid credit to the firefighters and police officers involved, as well as the hotel owners and staff.

Anyone who has information to assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101@dc.police.uk or by phone on 101, quoting crime reference CR/030215/17.

Here's what Station Manager Rod Schnieder had to say: