Police today appealed for witnesses and information about a suspected arson at the former Kimberley Hotel in Harrogate.
Eight fire engines were called to the derelict 90-bed hotel on King’s Road at about 11pm on Tuesday last week when smoke was seen pouring out of the front and rear of the building.
Half of the main building was damaged by smoke and an annex was destroyed.
A subsequent investigation by firefighters concluded the fire is believed to have been caused deliberately.
Fire crews outside the Kimberley Hotel last week.
Six days on, North Yorkshire Police said in a statement:
“As part of the ongoing police investigation, we are appealing people to come forward about any suspicious activity at the location and particularly on the evening of Tuesday March 7.”
You can email ellie.paul@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option 2, and ask for Ellie Paul or pass information on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230042171 when providing details.
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Police launch arson investigation after Harrogate Kimberley Hotel fire
North Yorkshire Police has launched an arson investigation after a fire last night at the Kimberley Hotel in Harrogate.
Eight fire engines were called to the blaze at the hotel off Kings Road at around 11pm. Half the main building was damaged by smoke and an annex was destroyed.
Firefighters closed the road for several hours.
A spokesperson for the police confirmed to the Stray Ferret that officers are now investigating the incident as arson.
They said:
“The incident has been confirmed as arson and a police investigation has been commenced.
“Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, or anyone who has any information which would assist officers with their enquiries is asked to contact the force control room on 101, quoting reference 12230042171.”
Pictures of the damage caused by the fire inside the hotel. Picture: Harrogate Fire Station.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s incident log this morning said:
“Crews from Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Tadcaster, Northallerton, Skipton and Malton along with the aerial ladder platform responded to reports of smoke issuing from a disused hotel.
“Crews used 20 breathing apparatus, four hose reel jets, one main jet and lance, lighting, thermal imaging cameras, small tools, door enforcer, hydraulic spreaders, reciprocating saw, drills and a triple extension ladder to fight the fire.
“The fire caused 100% fire damage to the annex measuring 10m by 10m and caused 5% fire damage and 50% smoke damage to the main building.”
The hotel off Kings Road has recently being subject to drug and crime concerns.
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- Harrogate’s former Kimberley Hotel being used for drugs and crime, say police
Eight fire engines tackle blaze at former Kimberley Hotel in Harrogate
King’s Road in Harrogate was closed for several hours last night due to a fire at the former Kimberley Hotel.
Eight fire engines were called to the large site, which has been the subject of drugs and crime concerns lately.
An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said the incident happened at about 11pm.
The eyewitness, who lives and works nearby, said the road was closed until about 2.45am.
The cause of the fire and extent of damage. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident log said:
“Crews from Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Tadcaster, Northallerton, Skipton and Malton along with the aeriel ladder platform responded to reports of smoke issuing from a disused hotel.
“Crews used 20 breathing apparatus, four hose reel jets, one main jet and lance, lighting, thermal imaging cameras, small tools, door enforcer, hydraulic spreaders, reciprocating saw, drills and a triple extension ladder to fight the fire.
“The fire caused 100% fire damage to the annex measuring 10m by 10m and caused 5% fire damage and 50% smoke damage to the main building.
“One crew is currently still in attendance. The cause is under investigation.”
Read more:
- Harrogate’s former Kimberley Hotel being used for drugs and crime, say police
- Kimberley Hotel owner goes into liquidation amid £3.5m debts
Harrogate’s former Kimberley Hotel being used for drugs and crime, say police
A Harrogate police inspector has expressed concerns that the site of the former Kimberley Hotel is being used for drugs and crime.
The 70-bedroom hotel on King’s Road closed in December 2020 after more than 50 years.
Insp. Ed Rogerson, who works for North Yorkshire Police’s Harrogate outer area, said the former hotel had become a “problem area” when he gave an overview of local policing to Harrogate Borough Council’s overview and scrutiny committee this week.
He said the hotel was awaiting redevelopment, adding:
“This empty building has been a problem area. Although it’s boarded up people keep breaking in.
“It’s primarily young people but it’s also being used by adults. People have used the location for taking drugs.
“It’s a concern that these vulnerable people are mixing with adults in that location where there’s crime and anti-social behaviour.”
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Insp. Rogerson added officers were working with other organisations, including environmental health, “to ensure the owner and developer of that premises secure it properly”. He added:
“They’ve been reminded that if it doesn’t remain secure then enforcement action can be taken against them”.
The Kimberley Hotel in 2020.
The Kimberley Hotel opened in the 1960s when five townhouses dating back to the turn of the 20th century were converted.
It benefitted from the opening of what was then called the Harrogate Conference Centre in 1982, which is a short walk away.