Hotel for Ukraine refugees destroyed in blaze
DOZENS of Ukrainian refugees ‘lost everything’ when a 400- year- old hotel was destroyed by fire yesterday.
The Angel Inn in Midhurst, West Sussex, was among several buildings engulfed by the early morning blaze. There were no reports of casualties.
Resident Hilton Holloway said about 30 people, including children, were evacuated from the hotel.
‘There were a number of Ukrainian refugees in the hotel, which had around 15 rooms,’ Mr Holloway said.
‘I spoke to one young woman who seemed relatively calm.’
Another resident, David Behan, said the refugees spent the night in an Indian restaurant before they were transported to a leisure centre, from where they have been re-homed.
He added: ‘They arrived at Christmas with very little. And what little they had, they’ve just completely lost, which is desperate.’
Midhurst Town Council arranged a donation point nearby for those affected by the fire. A spokesman said: “We have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity and keenness to help, and now have everything we need to provide support for those who have lost their homes and belongings.’
About 70 firefighters were at the scene yesterday morning and the cause of the fire is being investigated.
A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services spokesman said: ‘It is too early in the incident to know the cause.’