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St Leonards hospice evacuated after fire breaks out St Leonards hospice evacuated after fire breaks out
(about 2 hours later)
Terminally-ill patients had to be evacuated from a hospice after a suspicious fire broke out at the site. Twenty-three elderly patients including some who are terminally-ill had to be evacuated from a hospice following a suspicious fire.
The emergency services were called to St Michael's Hospice in St Leonards, East Sussex, at about 00:40 BST. Emergency services were called to St Michael's Hospice in St Leonards, East Sussex, at about 00:40 BST.
No-one was injured but several patients had to be treated for the effects of smoke inhalation. No-one was injured but 10 patients were taken to hospital for observation.
The patients were initially taken to local care homes, but it is understood that more appropriate accommodation is being found for them. Twelve patients were taken to local care homes but more appropriate accommodation is being sought. One person was allowed home.
Fire crews from Bexhill, Battle, Burwash, Rye and Pevensey tackled the fire at the hospice in Upper Maze Hill. Fire crews from Bexhill, Battle, Burwash, Rye and Pevensey tackled the fire at the hospice in Upper Maze Hill, where nine staff were also evacuated.
Crew commander Shaun Rogers described it as a "pretty severe fire" which had been very distressing for everyone in the hospice.
"I think everyone was quite relieved that everybody escaped the incident pretty unscathed," he said.
A criminal investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, which is being treated as suspicious, police said.A criminal investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire, which is being treated as suspicious, police said.