Arsonists target derelict care home once again
FIREBUGS look to have targeted a derelict care home complex near Market Bosworth for at least the third time in just over a year.
Four fire engines were sent out to the former Hornsey Rise Memorial Home following an alert at 11.25pm on Thursday August 17.
The extensive site which features a range of buildings, including a chapel and theatre, closed down in 2012 and has been plagued by vandalism and arson attacks.
Many of the structures have had to be demolished due to the damage and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue are warning people away from the site.
Crew manager Paul Wragg from Market Bosworth Station who was at the scene said: “We believe it was deliberate ignition. It was in one of the old single storey wings of the home which were once bedrooms.
“The site has been targeted on various occasions and is now a danger- ous place to be. It’s quite important people realise they are endangering themselves by messing around there.
“The buildings are unstable with falling masonry. People should stay away.”
The fire in the 40m by 15m building had started in the roof and was raging by the time the crews arrived from Market Bos- worth, Hinckley, stone and Ashby.
Firefighters used a hose reel jet and compressed air foam jet to bring the flames under control, later employing four hose reel jets and ladders.
Crews battled until 2am to douse the blaze as further seats of fire hampered efforts. A number of hotspots erupted under rubble and proved difficult to locate.
By 4.10am the firefighters were damping down. Additional checks were carried out this morning Friday August 18.
It seems the empty building was torched in similar style to attacks in Ather- June and December last year which forced some parts of the complex to be demolished.
The home was originally constructed for the National Society of operative Printers and Assistants (NATSOPA) and was opened in 1921 as a memorial to printers who died during the First World War.
It was later taken over by the Pilgrim’s Friend Society and run as a Christian care and respite home.
At its height it featured a chapel, theatre, summerhouse, garden and landscaped grounds. A number of bungalows were also on site.