Blackpool Casino Owner Devastated By Fire

About 50 people evacuated from Blackpool gambling venue due to fire next door.

A casino manager in Blackpool has spoken of his anguish after a major fire left the venue with severe interior damage.

The fierce blaze, which raged throughout the early hours of Tuesday morning (July 28th), completely destroyed the unoccupied Grand Hotel complex and forced an evacuation of the neighbouring Paris Casino.

Casino boss Pierre Coulon told the Blackpool Gazette that the fire had left him "completely devastated" and facing an uncertain future in the Lancashire seaside resort.

He said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw the intensity of the fire. I knew the casino would be in trouble.

"The equipment inside has been destroyed and I've been told the staff room on the left hand side of the casino will have to be demolished."

More than 100 firefighters were required to tackle the blaze and approximately 50 people were evacuated from the Paris Casino.

The fire caused an estimated £3 million of damage and Blackpool police have confirmed that they are investigating the possibility of arson.