Mother of F1 star escapes from hotel blaze

Following on from our recent report on the Premier Inn hotel fire which happened on Monday, it has now been revealed that Formula One champion Jenson Button’s mother was among the guests to be evacuated following the blaze.

It has also been reported that two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson and have been questioned at nearby Weston Favell police station.

Simone Button was staying at the hotel, which is located close to Silverstone village and next to the Green Man Inn. She was staying there in preparation for her son’s participation in the British Grand Prix, which is due to take place this weekend. The Premier Inn is popular with F1 personnel because of its close proximity to the circuit.

Simone was evacuated along with other guests staying at the hotel and relocated to the Premier Inn at Harpole due to the blaze.

Speaking just after the incident, Dermot Bambridge, Chairman of South Northants Council, said:

“This is certainly the worst fire that we have had in the area. There was a fire sometime ago there but I think it was only in the kitchen.

“There are blue flashing lights outside as fire appliances come to Silverstone village to use the Fire Hydrants. I went up to see if there was anything I could do; the Premier Inn hotel was down to the first floor windows on the outside and was still burning. The Green Man itself appeared to be intact. Let’s just hope that everyone is safe.”

The fire was thought to have been started in plastic crates containing linen which were located just outside the hotel building.