AN investigation into a huge fire that ravaged a landmark North-East hotel is pointing towards the cause being arson, The Northern Echo can reveal.

In the immediate aftermath of the blaze at the King’s Hotel, in Darlington town centre, police said foul play was not suspected.

But, after three months of painstaking inquiries, investigators now believe that arson is the most likely cause.

Detective Inspector Phil Curtis, of Darlington police, who is leading the inquiry, said: “We have interviewed the people who were present at the hotel more than once.

Police have also been working very closely with the fire service and it is an investigation that is still very much on the go.

“But from the discussions we have had, it is fair to say that arson is now considered to be a distinct possibility.”

The investigation has been hampered by the heat of the blaze, which consumed vital evidence, and water damage caused by the firefighting operation.

Other possibilities are that the fire was caused by an electrical fault or the result of an accident.

The Northern Echo also understands that, because of the direction the inquiry has now taken, work to clear up the site will be delayed to preserve forensic evidence.

The fire is believed to have started on the top floor of the landmark building – known for more than 100 years as the King’s Head Hotel – at 12.40am on August 15.

The flames quickly took hold, prompting a six-hour rescue operation, involving 60 firefighters, ten fire engines and a police helicopter.

No one was injured in the fire, thanks to the quickthinking of the hotel staff, who managed to usher guests from the burning building within minutes.

More than 100 people, including guests from China, India, Italy and Canada, were in the hotel at the time.

A quarter of the Victorian building, which opened in 1893, was demolished in the blaze. It was the biggest fire in Darlington in a generation, leaving most of the roof and upper floors of the building destroyed.

It is thought it could take up to two years for the hotel to be fully restored.

However, part of the hotel reopened last month, with the hotel making 26 bedrooms in part of the building unaffected by fire available to guests.

The owners hope the rest of the hotel will reopen in 18 months.

No one from Cairn Group, which owns the hotel, was available for comment.