RESUCERS are today continuing to search for four people who are still missing following a huge hotel blaze in Cornwall.One 40-year-old man, died after jumping from one of the upper floors in the inferno which took hold of the Penhallow Hotel, Newquay at midnight yesterday.

RESUCERS are today continuing to search for four people who are still missing following a huge hotel blaze in Cornwall.

One 40-year-old man, died after jumping from one of the upper floors in the inferno which took hold of the Penhallow Hotel, Newquay at midnight yesterday.

Four other people remain in hospital today. One of the four is believed to be between 70 and 90 years old and is in a critical condition.

The grim search for the missing who could be buried in the wreckage of the hotel was to start today

Around 86 people are believed to have escaped from the hotel, many of whom are thought to be on coach holidays from the north and north west of England.

Reports are also emerging today that the fire service's aerial platforms which would have been vital to rescue people were undergoing repairs at the time of the incident.

Eye witnesses have described how they watched part of the building cave in as the flames took hold and how guests were banging on the windows trying to escape.

The hotel is owned by Holdsworth Hotels and is part of the Robinsons Holiday group based in Blackburn, Lancashire.

It is thought many of the guests were part of Robinsons coach holiday. The group caters for more mature holidaymakers, mainly from the north and north-west of England.

Police officers said the guests were mainly elderly.

A spokesman for Holdsworth Hotels, which owns the Penhallow Hotel, said a helpline has been set up for anyone who is concerned about a friend or relative.

The number is 01254 889900.