Firefighters and the police are on the scene of a major fire in Sandown.

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They were called to the Ocean Hotel on the High Street at 8:25pm tonight (Thursday).

Fire crews from Sandown , Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Ventnor, East Cowes, Cowes are attending.

Police have closed nearby roads and are asking Islanders to stay away.

Hampshire Constabulary said: "We are currently assisting the fire service at a fire at a hotel in High Street, Sandown.

"A number of roads are closed near the hotel and we are asking some people to evacuate the area.

"Please, if you do not need to be in the area, stay away."

Those watching from the beach have been moved away from the area.

 

The former Carlauren-owned hotel changed hands last month (April) and has been derelict for a number of years.

It was taken over by squatters earlier this year, concerned about the state of the former hotel.

They eventually left after being assured about its future by those in charge of the property.

Buses on routes 3 and 8 are affected, towards Newport.

The High Street is closed and a diversion the Broadway is unavailable due to a one-way restriction, said Southern Vectis.

Buses are diverting from Morton Common Road, via Perowne Way & Fairway to resume normal route from Lake Fairway.