A BLOWTORCH gas canister exploded at a Blackpool hotel, shattering windows and ripping out doors in the early hours of Sunday morning (August 17).

Police are appealing for help after finding that bedding and clothes had been piled near the butane canister and deliberately set alight, causing it to explode around 3.30am.

Six people were asleep at the time in the Oaklands Hotel, which took DSS claimants, on Yates Street, off Dickson Road.

Happily, they all escaped without injury.

Police took three other people in for questioning but released them on bail pending further inquiries.

Det Sgt Kevan Turner said: "We don't know whether the blowtorch was introduced by the arsonist or it was an old one that had been there for some time.

"We'd like to hear from anyone who might have had access to the hotel to ask if they know where it came from."

The police have been questioning the owner, Mrs Myra Hoffman, and residents.

They would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area in the early hours of Sunday.

Blackpool CID may be contacted on 293933.

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