Great Yarmouth hotel was cannabis farm weeks before fire

Firefighters worked throughout early Thursday morning to tackle the fire which ripped through the derelict Victory Hotel on Nelson Road South. 

Officers continued to monitor the site throughout Thursday, with the final revisit ended at just before 7pm.

Firefighters damping down the former Victory Hotel on Nelson Road South following the fire on Thursday. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

No one was harmed, but the blaze had caused significant damage inside the property, including collapsed floors and a collapsed roof at the rear of the building.

It is not known what caused the fire.

Behind the Victory Hotel which was gutted by a fire on Thursday. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

The fire came eight weeks after the discovery of a cannabis farm inside the abandoned hotel.

On Sunday, March 5, police officers were made aware of suspicious activity inside the property and later discovered cannabis plants and growing equipment inside.

The uncovered plants were said to have had a street value of around £100,000.

Norfolk Constabulary also reported that the electrical supply to the premises was also found to have been dangerously tampered with. Police and UK Power Networks teams spent two days making the premises safe and secure during the recovery.

After the discovery of the cannabis plants, nobody was found at the address. Inquiries are ongoing.

The fire at the Nelson Road South building is said to have caused significant damage. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Following the fire, nearby resident and owner of The Chequers guesthouse Alistair Mitchell said it was a shame the building had been "left to rot".

He said: "I've been here 16 years, and in that time, I've only seen the place officially opened as a hotel or hostel for about a year.

"It's knackered.

"Hopefully, something positive can be done with it."

The roof of the Victory Hotel has been destroyed by the fire. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

A spokesperson from Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: "The building is safe at the moment and is being secured."

It is also understood the council is trying to liaise with the owner, but he is not engaging with the council or other agencies at the moment.

Charred remains inside the Victory Hotel. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)