Arrest after fire at former hotel in asylum row

A man has been arrested following a fire at a former hotel at the centre of an asylum row.

Lincolnshire Police said it received a call just after 08:10 BST on Thursday reporting that the former Sutton Bridge Hotel had been broken into and a fire had been started, causing damage.

A protest was held outside the hotel last week, after the local council raised concerns asylum seekers could be housed there, but the building's owner said it had no intention to allow the government to do so.

On Sunday, the force said a 56-year-old man from Norfolk had been arrested on suspicion of arson, sending a communication threatening death or serious harm, and threatening to damage or destroy property.

Police said the man had been questioned and released on bail, which included a condition he should not enter Lincolnshire.

The group Unite The Right organised a protest outside the former hotel on Sunday 31 May after South Holland District Council raised concerns that the government had earmarked it for housing asylum seekers.

The building's owner, API Property Investments, said it had no intention to let the building to the Home Office, or any other government body.

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