Tamworth hospital fire: Man detained after ‘severe’ blaze breaks out at mental health facility

Occupants and staff evacuated and transferred to other local medical centres

A man has been detained on suspicion of arson in connection with a fire at a mental health facility in Tamworth, Staffordshire Police said.

The 43-year-old from the town was held as firefighters tackled the “severe” blaze which broke out at the George Bryan Medical Centre, part of Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital.

A spokesman from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) earlier said there had been reports of one of the patients absconding during the commotion caused by the blaze.

A spokesman from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) earlier said there had been reports of one of the patients absconding during the commotion caused by the blaze.

Ten fire engines battled the blaze at the George Bryan Centre at Sir Robert Peel Hospital in Mile Oak after a fire spread through the roof of the building.

There were no reported casualties but a significant portion of the facility, which treats people with mental health issues, was affected by the fire.

In total, 11 occupants and staff were evacuated from the hospital and transferred to other local medical centres.

A spokesperson from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had spread through the roof of the building, saying it was “severe” with “quite a lot of the building involved”.

“We’re trying to sacrifice part of the building and let that burn to prevent it from spreading to the rest of the hospital,” he added.

He said local fire crews were supported by teams from West Midlands Fire Service and Warwickshire Fire Service.

Staffordshire Police said officers are at the scene and a spokesperson said: “There are no reported casualties. All occupants and staff have been evacuated from the centre and are being transferred to other local medical centres. The area remains closed whilst the fire service continue to control the fire.”

Witnesses have been asked to contact the authorities.

Additional reporting from agencies