West Bromwich hotel evacuated in suspected arson attack

Firefighters were called to the blaze inside the Premier Inn in West Bromwich High Street this morning.

Crews saw fire and smoke coming out of a window on arrival.

They carried out a floor to floor evacuation and everyone inside was accounted for, while no injuries were reported.

West Midlands Police are now investigating the cause of the blaze.

A spokesman for the force said: "We believe it is arson at this stage but an investigation is ongoing.

"All hotel guests were evacuated."

Fire investigators are also on the scene working with police.

West Midlands Fire Service received a 999 call at 8.39am today.

Fire fighters from Oldbury, Smethwick, West Bromwich and Handsworth attended.

Watch commander Nathan Highfield said: "There was a fire in a hotel room.

"There was fire and smoke coming out of a window on the sixth floor.

"There were no injuries and all persons were accounted for, they were out of the room before the fire service attended.

"A full evacuation of the hotel was carried out where the fire service assisted the management team.

"We carried a full floor to floor search to make sure everyone was out of the property.

"We used one hose reel jet and two breathing apparatus.

"The hotel room was 100 per cent gutted. The fire was extinguished at 9.15am."

Pictures taken by fire crews showed the hotel cordoned off to the public this morning as fire engines were parked outside the hotel.

The hotel is part of the West Plaza complex.