25 May 2024 , 14:00
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Footage shows huge flames going into the sky
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.
Footage posted to social media showed fire and a large black plume of smokeCredit: balders1977
Fire could be seen leaping into the air from one of the Victorian buildingsCredit: Harryaspinall4 via Storyful
Broadmoor Hospital is a high-security psychiatric hospital Crowthorne, BerkshireCredit: Alamy
Broadmoor is a high-security psychiatric hospital and has seen Charles Bronson, Ronnie Kray, the Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, and Robert Maudsley pass through its doors.
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement: "We are attending a fire at a derelict building on the old Broadmoor Hospital site. The current hospital site is not affected.
"Please stay clear of the area but if you are nearby, please keep windows and doors closed."
When emergency services arrived they found a "well-developed" blaze on the old site and there were no injuries or reports of missing people.
Fire crews from around the area were sent to the scene, including two ladder trucks and specialist off road vehicles.
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.
The Victorian buildings are not used as part of the hospital anymore and have been part of a redevelopment row to turn the Grade II heritage buildings into a hotel.
New Broadmoor Hospital next door to the Victorian buildings opened in 2019, as the older buildings on the old site were not fit for purpose.
All patients at Broadmoor are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 and have serious conditions like schizophrenia which mean they can’t be in normal prison.
The average length of stay at Broadmoor is five-and-a-half years.
Broadmoor 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.
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.
Plumes of smoke could be seen going into the skyCredit: balders1977