Monday 20 June 2011

British man arrested after allegedly setting fire to castle over wedding bill

British man has been arrested after part of a castle was destroyed when a fire broke out.

The Daily Mail reports a source close to the investigation said the 36-year-old man allegedly started the fire over a disagreement about the bill for his wedding at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire,  located 60 km southwest of Manchester.

The Cheshire Constabulary confirmed a man had been arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life.

Police and fire crews were called to the castle around 5:18 a.m. Sunday. Cheshire Fire and Rescue reported about 100 firefighters spend most of Sunday battling the fire. About 70 people were safely evacuated by staff prior to fire crews arriving on scene and no injuries were reported.

Despite a complex layout, fire officials said crews were able to contain the fire to won wing of the castle, although all three floors, which included hotel bedrooms and offices, had extensive damage.

The castle, which also serves as a hotel, dates back to 1840.

The owners of the castle told the Daily Mail the costs to repaid the building will be more than $1.6 million.

 

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