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The dramatic fire which destroyed part of the old North Wing Hospital site in Bedford is being treated as a suspected arson.

Emergency services attended the hospital’s North Wing in Kimbolton Road following reports of a fire at a derelict building on the site at around 7pm last night (Jan 3).

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service units remain at the scene and are continuing to work to make the area safe.

The fire did not spread to neighbouring hospital buildings and it is not thought that anyone was injured.

Firefighters worked through the night to bring the blaze under control

Initial enquiries undertaken by officers, alongside colleagues from the fire service, have indicated that the fire may have been started intentionally.

Superintendent Jim Lunn 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.”

Members of the emergency services are likely to remain at the scene today (Friday) while enquiries continue, and officers will be undertaking patrols throughout the day to reassure local residents.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or visit bedfordshire.police.uk/report quoting incident 339 of Thursday.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

READ MORE: Investigation launched into cause of Bedford Hospital fire

https://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/investigation-launched-into-fire-at-old-north-wing-hospital-site-in-bedford-1-8758296

Arson suspected following major fire at old North Wing hospital site in Bedford