A refugee has been arrested after a serious incident saw a Swindon hotel evacuated.
Three fire engines and an aerial ladder platform appliance rushed to the Holiday Inn Express in Bridge Street at around 7pm yesterday (Wednesday 19 October).
Firefighters requested assistance from Wiltshire Police, which sent numerous units to the scene – where the suspect, a 17-year-old boy, was allegedly making threats to commit arson.
The boy was arrested after 999 responders managed to make entry into the room.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it found a very small fire within the room, and a fire officer was sent to investigate whether it was started purposely or accidentally.
They praised the work of hotel staff and security guards, who worked to evacuate the entire hotel swiftly during the incident – following all procedures to the letter.
The Holiday Inn Express is currently closed to the public after the chain agreed to house a large number of Afghan refugees there.
In a statement, Wiltshire Police said: “Officers were called at around 7pm yesterday (19/10) to the Holiday Inn in Bridge Street, Swindon, following threats of arson by one of the guests.
“A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of making threats to commit arson.”
