Bedford Hospital fire treated as arson: Manhunt for thug behind blaze
A MANHUNT is underway for a suspected arsonist after a huge fire at Bedford Hospital.
Bedford hospital fire: Huge blaze rips through building
The fire in the disused building at Bedford Hospital started just after 6pm on Thursday. Some 60 firefighters worked through the night to get the blaze under control.
The inferno ripped through the boarded-up building sending plumes of thick smoke into the air.
Superintendent Jim Lunn, from Bedforshire Police, said the incident is being treated as deliberate, urging anyone with information to come forward.
He said: "We take all reports of arson very seriously, particularly as the fire was so close to operational hospital buildings, and we are continuing to investigate the circumstances of this incident.
“At the moment we are treating this as deliberate.
"We are keen to find out why this happened and who is responsible, so I'd urge anyone who has information to come forward."
An earlier statement from Bedford Hospital NHS Trust said: "Bedford Hospital NHS Trust are aware of the fire services currently attending Shires House that is located at Bedford Health Village on Kimbolton Road (formerly North Wing).
"This is a vacant building and owned by NHS Property Services, therefore there are no patients or staff within this building."
Firefighters said the blaze had already taken hold by the time they arrived.
A Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said in a previous statement: "Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire in a derelict building to the rear of the Health Village at Bedford Hospital at 6.07pm on Thursday.
"Eight fire engines are in attendance to tackle the blaze supported by the Bedford and Luton Arial platforms, the Incident Command Centre, two Water Carriers and the Operational Support Unit from Potton.
"Firefighters are fighting the fire from outside the building and are protecting the surrounding area from the fire.
“There are no persons reported or casualties."