HERTFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service has just released these dramatic shots of yesterday’s (Thursday’s) fire at the former Clock Hotel in Welwyn.

The pictures were taken from behind the police cordon by photographer Jay Hounsell, who works for the fire service.

The flames ravaged through the historic building, which sits close to the A1(M) entry slip road at Welwyn.

Roads have reopened around the stricken site as fire investigators look into the cause of the blaze.