A FIRE has broken out at a psychiatric hospital where some of the UK’s most notorious criminals have been held.
Broadmoor Hospital in Crownthorne, Berkshire, is currently ablaze with huge flames sending plumes of black smoke into the sky.
balders1977Footage posted to social media showed fire and a large black plume of smoke[/caption]
AlamyBroadmoor Hospital is a high-security psychiatric hospital Crowthorne, Berkshire[/caption]
Broadmoor is a high-security psychiatric hospital and has seen some of the UK’s most notorious crims pass through its doors.
These include Ronnie Kray, the Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, and Robert Maudsley.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said they were attending the scene and assisting with any road closures.
They said: “At this stage there is no impact to the wider road network.”
Broadmoor currently holds Ian Ball – who tried to kidnap Princess Anne in 1974 – and Michael Adebowale – one of the terrorists convicted of killing Lee Rigby.
The fire appears to be in one of the old Victorian residential blocks on the west side of the complex.
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Broadmoor Hospital has space to cater for 240 patients who suffer from mental illness and personality disorders.
According to the NHS, most patients stay at the facility for five to six years although some can be there for a considerably shorter or longer time if necessary.
After that, patients are often transferred to lower-security facilities when they are deemed to not pose a risk to themselves or others.
New Broadmoor Hospital opened in 2019, as the Victorian buildings of the old site were causing some concern.
Due to the appearance and its high walls, many believe Broadmoor is a prison.
However, it is in fact a hospital – the staff consist of nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and therapists, among other roles.
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment.
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balders1977Plumes of smoke could be seen going into the sky[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
