Fresh fears for the security of a derelict hotel on Clevedon seafront have been raised after thieves broke into the building.

Raiders got into the Royal Pier Hotel at Marine Parade twice over the weekend and stole copper piping from inside. Police were called to the dilapidated hotel early on Saturday after reports of a man and woman acting suspiciously in the area.

But when officers arrived, the pair, who were wearing fluorescent jackets with "Security" written on the back, had disappeared.

During a patrol on Sunday, officers spotted a man and a woman outside the building at 6.30am, loading copper piping into a van.

A 41-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man have been arrested and are helping police with inquiries.

The break-in has prompted fresh fears about the security of the building.

Plans to develop the hotel into 27 luxury flats fell by the wayside earlier this year after the firm behind the scheme – Royal Pier Hotel Development – was placed in the hands of Bristol-based receivers Alder King.

The property was put back on the market and despite bids being made for it, they were rejected.

The town's Grade-I listed Victorian pier sits next to the hotel and managers are now concerned about the possibility of future break- ins and vandal attacks.

Clevedon piermistress Linda Strong said: "It is our greatest fear that something dreadful will happen to it before development work starts.

"The building has been empty for a long time and is vulnerable and I would like the owners to ensure it is completely safe and boarded up to stop intruders getting in.

"We cannot allow anything to happen to the building that could pose a risk to the pier."

Clevedon Town Council chairman, Councillor John Middleton, backed the calls for security at the hotel to be increased.

He said: "I am very concerned that people have been able to get into this building which is in a rather dilapidated state. I would like to see some action taken to make sure the hotel is secure."

North Somerset Council has been preparing paperwork in case it decides to issue an urgent works notice.

The notice would order the hotel's owners to repair and secure the building.

However, if the work is not carried out within a set timeframe, the order gives the authority the powers to step in and do it themselves.

Council officers estimate the cost of the work to weatherproof and secure the building could be as much as £50,000.

If the works notice is issued, it is likely the cost of the repairs would be partly funded by English Heritage.

The council would also try to recover the costs from the owners of the building.

No one from Alder King was available for comment.