Kidlington fire: Blaze at immigration centre leaves two in hospital

Two men are in hospital following a fire at an immigration detention centre, the Home Office said.

Ten fire engines were called to the Campsfield House immigration removal centre in Kidlington, near Oxford, at 9pm last night.

A Home Office spokesman said: "A fire at Campsfield immigration removal centre has led to more than half of the detainees being relocated to other removal centres around the UK.

"All the detainees have been accounted for and two male detainees are now in hospital. The cause of the fire is being investigated by police and the fire service."

The UK Border Agency website says the centre, privately run by MITIE, has space for 216 beds.

It describes Campsfield House as a long-term centre for men, who are detained pending the outcome of their immigration case and subsequent removal.

The fire broke out in one of the three blocks that make up the centre.

PA