GARDAI investigating a fire which completely destroyed a hotel in Waterford last night appealed for two youths seen close to the scene to come forward.
The fire, at Dooley's Hotel in the quays area of the city, is being treated as arson.
A Garda source said that while the blaze was thought to be malicious, there appeared to be no motive.
Two youths, aged about 19 or 20, assisted a taxi driver in telephoning a Garda station at around 3.40 a.m. yesterday to alert them to the fire, but later left the scene. Gardai have appealed for the two to come forward as witnesses.
They also want to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously near the scene between 3 a.m. and 3.40 a.m.
The hotel, which is owned by Ms June Darrer, was closed for renovations.