A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a "large fire" at a care home in Middlesbrough in the early hours of this morning (April 29).  

Victoria House Care Centre in Middlesbrough reported a fire around midnight.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “Around midnight there was a fire in a ground floor flat in the home. We had seven appliances there.

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“28 people had to be either taken out of the home or taken to a 'sister home' nearby. Of those 28 people, six were taken to hospital due to smoke inhalation.

“There was damage to several rooms and the cause is being investigated."

A spoksperson from Cleveland Police said: “Police were called to a care home on Park Road North in Middlesbrough shortly after 1am today (Friday) by Fire Brigade colleagues who were dealing with a fire on the ground floor.

“A number of residents were evacuated and a full road closure put in place to allow emergency services to deal with the situation.

“Six residents remain in hospital today, receiving treatment for smoke inhalation.

“A 44 year old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and she faces questioning.”

A spoksperson for North East Ambulance Service said: “We were called to reports of a fire in Park Road North, Middlesbrough, just after 1am this morning. We dispatched 13 resources and assessed 30 patients in total. We transported six to James Cook Hospital and two patients to another address.”

More as we have it.

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