Two more die following arson attack on East Sussex hospice
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Version 0 of 1. Two more people have died following an alleged arson attack on a hospice in East Sussex, bringing the death toll to three. A 67-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of two of the residents of St Michael’s hospice in St Leonards. The 62-year-old woman and an 81-year-old man died after being taken to hospital in Hastings suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation. A 78-year-old woman also died following the fire, but police are still investigating whether her death was connected with the blaze. Emergency services were called to the fire in the early hours of Saturday. The hospice’s 23 residents and nine staff were evacuated. A spokesman for Sussex police said the man being held was known to the hospice and was initially arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. DCI Mark Preston said: “This is an extremely difficult time for the residents and staff of St Michael’s hospice and for the families of the residents who have sadly passed away.” |