A MAN is believed to be in a serious condition following a fire at a hotel in Bournemouth.

The man aged in his 40s has been taken to hospital for treatment and a police investigation has been launched.

Dorset Police received a report of a fire at the Grove Hotel in Grove Road at around 6.15am on Sunday, February 4.

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Officers attended to assist with road closures and the evacuation of the occupants of the building.

A cordon has been put in place and detectives are liaising with the fire service to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

Police said the cause of the fire has not been confirmed at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Bell, of BCP CID, said: “Our enquiries into this incident remain ongoing and I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the area to please come forward.

“Also, I would like to hear from any residents or motorists in the wider area who may have captured anything of relevance on home CCTV or dashcams that may assist my investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240017893.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.