A man and a woman from the local area have been arrested and released as Kent Police investigate an early-hours blaze at the seafront hotel on Marine Parade.
Kent Police were called to the Grand Burstin Hotel on Marine Parade at around 1.20am on Saturday 19 September 2026. Residents from nearby buildings were evacuated as officers attended and Kent Fire and Rescue Service tackled and extinguished the blaze.
A 38-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, both from the local area, were arrested the following day in connection with the incident. Both have since been released while enquiries continue.
Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service are treating the fire as suspicious and believe it may have been started deliberately, though investigations are ongoing. Local road closures remain in place for investigation work, and Kent Police say enquiries are ongoing. Partner agencies are supporting those affected by the evacuation.
Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to ring Kent Police on 01622 652006, quoting reference 46/155727/26, or upload footage through the force’s public portal.
Key information
- Contact Kent Police on 01622 652006, quoting reference 46/155727/26
- CCTV or dashcam footage can be submitted via Kent Police’s online public portal
- Local road closures remain in place while investigation work continues