Post-mortem results due today after hotel death

The results of a post mortem on the body of a man who died at a hotel where high levels of carbon monoxide were found are due today.

The body of the man was found in a room at the St Austell Brewery-owned Great Western Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall, at 1pm on Saturday.

Two paramedics who went to the hotel after news of the body later reported feeling unwell with symptoms similar to carbon monoxide poisoning.

They were later treated in hospital along with three guests.

Ninety-five guests and 12 staff from the hotel were then evacuated at around 12.30am after "exceptionally high levels of carbon monoxide" were found on the first floor, following the discovery of the body.

The hotel was ventilated and the heating system shut down.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the building will remain closed until the source of the carbon monoxide has been established.

The police added they were keeping an open mind as to the cause of the man's death.

St Austell Brewery re-opened the hotel six weeks ago after spending £1.1m on a five-month refurbishment.

James Staughton, managing director at St Austell Brewery said: "We are devastated at this tragic incident and the death of one of our guests. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends and we offer them our sincere condolences on their loss.

"Our focus now is to work alongside the police and environmental health officers, to assist them with their investigations, so that we can understand what has happened and for that information to be provided to the guest's family.

"Any decision on reopening the hotel will be taken in conjunction with the authorities. In the meantime we are working with other accommodation providers in Newquay to make alternative arrangements for guests with bookings and we are grateful for their support and understanding."