ARSONISTS inflicted significant damage to Nantwich's historic Lamb Hotel, last Tuesday night.
Firefighters were in action at the 16th century building for over two hours before finally getting the blaze under control during the early hours.
Officers believe the incident was malicious and the police have been informed with investigations now underway.
Significant damage was inflicted to the interior of the third floor loft room although fire crews believe there was no structural damage to the derelict hotel.
A Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "There was a lot of smoke coming from the third floor when we arrived and we discovered the loft room was on fire.
"The fire had done quite a lot of damage and we believe it was malicious."
The Lamb Hotel on Hospital Street has been unoccupied for the last three years with housing developers seeking permission to transform the building into luxury homes.
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