Fire crews battled to save a prestigious hotel and restaurant near Wigmore from a blaze on Monday night which police are treating as suspicious.
Damage to The Bringewood, a luxury family-run business at Burrington, has been estimated to run into hundreds of thousands of pounds as a result of Monday night’s blaze.
Police and fire investigators are keen to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Burrington area at that time.
It’s believed that no-one was in the hotel, a police spokesman said.
Hereford and Worcester Fire Service was called to the fire at 11pm.
On arrival fire crews reported a “substantial blaze” at The Bringewood and called for further appliances to be sent to the hillside site.
The business, opened in 2006, was developed from a series of renovated Victorian farm buildings, with guests invited to relax in 250 acres of rolling countryside.
In the past four years The Bringewood has earned a reputation for holding weddings, civil ceremonies, conferences and various corporate events.
“At this early stage, police and fire investigators are treating the fire as suspicious and forensic examinations by both services will continue throughout the day,” the police spokesman explained on Tuesday.
Anyone who saw any suspicious activity, vehicles or people in the Burrington area on Monday evening is asked to contact Sergeant Nick Green at Leominster Police Station on 0300 333 3000.
Alternatively, call the free and confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.