Down hotel destroyed by fire blaze could collpase

Firefighters have today brought a major blaze at a vacant hotel in Co Down under control but there are now fears the building…

Firefighters have today brought a major blaze at a vacant hotel in Co Down under control but there are now fears the building may collapse.

The fire broke out overnight at the old Copelands Hotel on the Warren Road in Donaghadee.

Police said up to nine fire appliances were called out to the hotel, which was said to be totally ablaze.

Warren Road was currently closed off as firefighters continue to deal with the blaze.

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The incident began hours before the latest firefighters' strike was due to begin.

After the nine o'clock strike deadline, the firefighters handed over control to military personnel.

Emergency coverage during the weekend strike will again be provided in Northern Ireland by the Army's yellow goddesses.

PA