Arson investigation after major fire at former Mablethorpe care home
A major blaze at the former Mablethorpe Hall care home is being investigated as suspected arson.
The blaze broke out on Wednesday (February 18) at approximately 5pm on Alford Road, Mablethorpe.
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue say seven crews from Mablethorpe, Alford, Horncastle, Binbrook, Skegness and Louth, supported by a water carrier, attended the scene.
The building, which has been abandoned for several years, suffered extensive damage, according to Lincolnshire Police.
A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the building’s unstable structure created access challenges and made it difficult to fully dampen the fire.
No injuries have been reported, however.
A joint investigation between Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue is now underway to determine the full circumstances and the cause of the fire. Police believe the fire may have been started deliberately, and are treating the incident as suspected arson.
A police spokesperson said: “We are aware of comments and concern within the community.
“We want to reassure residents that we are investigating this. At this stage, we believe a group of young people may have been in the area shortly before the fire started, and we are working to identify all individuals involved.
“We are asking anyone who was in the vicinity of Mablethorpe Hall on Wednesday evening, or who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, to get in touch.”
They would like to hear from anyone who saw people entering or leaving the building around the time of the fire, and anyone with CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage that may have captured activity near the site.
Contact Sergeant Billy Spence at [email protected], quoting incident 331 of February 18. Or share information anonymously with Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Alternatively, you can report what you know to FireStoppers on 0800 1695558 or online at firestoppersreport.co.uk.
The property had planning permission for redevelopment into a 28-flat residential complex. The new building was to feature 16 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments, with balconies designed to protect the amenity of future residents and neighbours.
The property had previously been described as “in poor condition and detrimental to the character of the area and the approach into the town”.