Residents in Torquay are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed following a large fire at the derelict Sherwood Hotel on Belgrave Road. The blaze, which broke out on Sunday, 5 April 2026, has prompted Devon and Cornwall Police to issue a health warning due to the significant amount of smoke in the area.
This incident is being treated as suspected arson. It is the second time in 48 hours that emergency services have been called to the site, following a fire in the building at approximately 9pm on Friday, 3 April 2026. At the height of the Sunday blaze, around 90 emergency personnel, including crews from the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, were in attendance. The operation involved 10 fire engines and aerial ladder platforms as the roof of the three-storey structure collapsed.
The hotel has a history of issues, having been granted a partial closure order by Plymouth Magistrates’ Court in October 2025. Authorities previously described the building as an eyesore and a magnet for anti-social behaviour. A previous fire at the property was also investigated as suspected arson in March 2024.
Police are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed those involved in the latest incident to come forward. They are specifically requesting that members of the public provide any available CCTV or doorbell camera footage that may assist with their investigation. Anyone with information should contact the police on 101, quoting log number 0348 of 05/04/2026.
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