A FIRE-RAVAGED Aberystwyth hotel is 'structurally unsafe’ following an early hours fire on Wednesday as police continue their search for a missing man.

Police said the Ty Belgrave House hotel on Aberystwyth seafront which was gutted by fire in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday is “structurally unsafe”.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that one man remains unaccounted for following the fire and officers are trying to trace his next of kin.

An assessment of the hotel has been carried out following the fire which saw 12 people - including three children - rescued and neighbouring buildings also damaged, police said.

“The building is structurally unsafe and work must be carried out to make it safe to enter whilst preserving evidence at the scene,” a Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said.

“Scaffolding and netting are being put up as a first step.

“It is anticipated access will be possible towards the end of next week.

“Police and fire officers will then carry out a joint investigation to establish the cause of the fire.”

Officers and PCSOs will continue with scene preservation duties and cordons around the area will remain in place, police added.

Police are appealing for anyone that can help officers with the investigation into the fire to contact them on 101.