The listed building has been empty for many years

Fire crews tackled two fires in the space of five hours in the early hours of Sunday morning at Webb's Hotel in Liskeard.

The arsonists returned to the scene after the brigade had put out the first fire and re-ignited the building.

Members of Cornwall's Arson Task Force say they are confident the culprits will be caught.

Station Officer Pete Sandal, who is heading the investigation, said it was a complicated case.

Committing resources

"It is a very unusual event which makes us believe it is not just a straightforward vandalism attack.

"That is why we are committing so many resources to the investigation and the follow-up process that is now in place.

"We are taking it extremely seriously because lives were put in danger by this fire.

"The local community of Liskeard must realise that it was their community firefighters that were put at risk."

The four-storey listed building has been empty for many years.