Bridegroom quizzed over fire at country castle

A bridegroom was today believed to be being quizzed in connection with a fire at a country castle near the Shropshire border after becoming embroiled in a dispute over his wedding bill.

About 100 firefighters tackled the blaze which broke out in a wing of Peckforton Castle, north of Whitchurch, at about 5am yesterday.

All staff and about 70 guests at the hotel were safely evacuated but the fire badly damaged all three floors of the same wing.

The severity of the fire led to appliances being called in from surrounding counties, including Shropshire, amid fears the blaze would completely destroy the Grade I-listed property

It is understood the bridegroom, who has not been named, was arrested on suspicion of arson.

Authorities are believed to have questioned hotel guests yesterday, some of whom were still celebrating the wedding when the fire started.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Around 100 firefighters and more than 20 fire appliances have been in attendance at Peckforton Castle near Tarporley after a fire broke out in one of the wings.

"Around 70 guests at the hotel were safely evacuated by staff and there have been no reported injuries. Fire crews were later able to surround the fire despite having to deal with a complex layout in the castle wing."

The spokesman added police and fire investigators were due to return to the scene today to begin detailed investigations.

Cheshire Police confirmed someone was arrested in connection with the incident and remained in police custody today.

No one from Peckforton Castle was available to comment.