A 36-YEAR-OLD man from Merseyside has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire at Peckforton Castle.

The luxury wedding venue, in Stone House Lane, Tarporley, was evacuated at 5am on Sunday morning (June 19) after the blaze was discovered.

The fire was so severe it took more than 100 firefighters around 12 hours to extinguish.

All three floors of the affected wing have been extensively involved in the fire, including the drawing room, bridal suite, hotel bedrooms and offices.

Police and fire investigators are carrying out detailed investigations into the cause.