Arson arrest over fire at St Leonards hospice
- Published
Emergency services were called to the fire at St Michael's Hospice at about 00:40 BST
A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after 23 elderly patients, some of them terminally ill, had to be evacuated from a hospice after a fire.
Ten patients were taken to hospital for observation from St Michael's Hospice in St Leonards, East Sussex, where the fire started at about 00:40 BST.
A female patient later died but it is not known if her death was linked to the fire. Twelve people were taken to care homes, and one was allowed home.
The arrested man is 67, police said.
Sussex Police said they were treating the fire as deliberate, and the man being held is from St Leonards and known to the hospice.
He is being questioned on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The fire had been very distressing for everyone in the hospice, firefighters said
The fire is understood to have broken out in one of the dormitories
Two of the patients taken to the Conquest Hospital, in Hastings, were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.
It is understood more appropriate accommodation is being sought for the residents.
The fire broke out in one wing of the building in Upper Maze Hill, from which nine staff were also evacuated.
Sussex Police are treating the fire as deliberate
Chief Inspector Paul Phelps, Hastings district commander, said the blaze was believed to have started in one of the dormitories.
He said officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.
Firefighters from Bexhill, Battle, Burwash, Rye and Pevensey tackled the fire.
Crew commander Shaun Rogers described it as a "pretty severe fire" which had been very distressing for everyone in the hospice.