Suspected arson attack at former Preston hospital

A fire at a former mental health hospital in Preston is being treated as arson.

By The Newsroom

Published 3rd Sep 2017, 11:34 BST

Updated 11th Sep 2017, 12:46 BST

Photo Neil Cross The vacant Ribbleton Hospital site

Firefighters using breathing apparatus tackled the blaze at the derelict former Ribbleton Hospital, Miller Road, this morning, after receiving an emergency call at around 9am.

Two crews and fire appliances from Preston attended the incident which started in a stairwell.

Firefighters used a ladder for access and a hosereel jet to put the fire out.

A portable fan unit was also used to extract the smoke.

Police have been notified of the suspected arson attack, said Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

The building, which is set for demolition, has been empty since 2015. It has been targeted by vandals.

Site owners Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, provided mental health services at the hospital, which were transferred to The Harbour in Blackpool following its closure.