Bedfordshire Police have launched an appeal for witnesses, saying they suspected the fire at Bedford Hospital’s ‘North Wing’ was arson.
Fire crews from Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire battled through the night to tackle the blaze at the derelict Shires House on the grounds of the Health Village on Kimbolton Road.
Read: Massive fire destroys Shires House at Bedford Hospital ‘North Wing’
Now Bedfordshire Police say initial enquiries by their officers and fire service colleagues suggest 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.”
Fire and Police are likely to stay on the site while enquiries continue. Police will also 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. You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service continue to work to make the area safe. No one was injured and the fire was successfully contained and stopped from spreading to other buildings near by.
