Patients flee suspected arson attack

PATIENTS at a seaside town hospital had to be evacuated after a blaze broke out in a secure wing following a suspected arson attack.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Sep 2010, 12:12 BST
Updated 21st Sep 2010, 12:12 BST

The Cross Lane Hospital site on Cross Lane, Scarborough, Newby, contains a number of units caring for vulnerable people, including elderly patients with mental health problems and younger psychiatric patients.

Two fire engines were called out when the alarm was raised just after 8pm on Sunday.

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A fire service spokesman said: "Crews arrived and there was a small fire in a bedroom in a building used as a secure unit."

The room suffered extensive smoke and fire damage after the blaze started in some newspaper. The flames spread to clothing and a TV in the room, the spokesman added.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The fire is being treated as suspicious and police have arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with the incident.

"The fire is believed to have started in a room at the hospital. All staff and 16 patients were safely evacuated and returned to their wards afterwards."

The Cross Lane site was developed for psychiatric care following the closure of St Mary's Hospital.

Related topics:PatientsScarboroughNorth Yorkshire Police