Patient is suspected of hospice fire attack

A MURDER suspect awaiting questioning after two patients died in a suspected arson attack was a patient at the hospice where the fire occurred, it has emerged.

The 67-year-old man was held following the blaze at St Michael’s Hospice in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A 62-year-old woman and a man of 81 died from smoke inhalation in hospit al. Another resident, a 78-yearold woman, also died but her death is not believed to be linked to the fire.

In a statement, the hospice confirmed that the suspect – who remains too ill in hospital to be questioned – was a patient. Police had previously only said he was “known to the hospice”.

He was initially detained on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, but was then further held on suspicion of two counts of murder, Sussex Police said.

A major incident was declared by emergency teams following the fire, which led to 23 residents and members of st aff evacuated.

Celia Pyke-Lees, the chief executive of St Michael’s Hospice, said: “On the night of the fire our nursing team were true heroines, and we are so grateful to them all for getting all our patients out.

“Our priority now is supporting our patients and their families along with all the hospice s t af f and volunteers.”

She thanked the local community and urged people to visit the hospice website and Facebook page for information on donations needed.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “The arrested man is unable to be questioned currently due to his ill health.

“This is a complicated investigation and further inquiries are being carried out.This is a difficult time for the residents and staff of St Michael’s Hospice and for the families of the residents who have sadly passed away.” nine being