Fire breaks out at former Broadmoor Hospital site

A fire has broken out on the site of a former psychiatric hospital where notorious criminals were held.

Firefighters were called to a derelict building at the old Broadmoor Hospital site on Chaplains Hill in Crowthorne, Berkshire, just after 09:30 BST.

A well-developed fire was discovered in the building and crews are likely to remain on scene for some time, according to Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

No injuries have been reported.

The fire service confirmed the blaze was not located at the current hospital site and there was no risk to patients and staff.

Around 40 firefighters were working to extinguish the flames, it added.

People in the area have been warned to stay clear of the site and keep their windows and doors shut.

Thames Valley Police officers are also on the scene.

Built in 1863, the Grade II-listed building was the country’s first asylum for the criminally insane.

The Victorian hospital housed criminals including gangster Ronnie Kray and serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, also known as the Yorkshire Ripper.

The 150-year old site closed its doors in 2019.

Patients and staff were moved into the new Broadmoor Hospital, a £250m high-security site for men detained under the Mental Health Act.