Fire breaks out at Leicester Royal Infirmary

Multiple fire crews were called to Leicester Royal Infirmary after a fire broke out in the catering department at the hospital.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue first received reports of a smell of smoke in the restaurant area at 22:55 BST on Saturday.

It initially sent six crews to the scene, though 10 appliances were fighting the fire at the height of the incident. Leicestershire Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service were also at the scene.

Crews began damping down by 01:39 and finally left the hospital at 06:30 on Sunday. An investigation into the cause of the fire is due to be carried out.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but Jon Melbourne, chief operating officer and deputy chief executive of the University of Leicester Hospitals Trust, said no one was harmed.

He added: "The restaurant is partially closed while the damage and cause are being assessed.

"There will be no hot food offer for staff and visitors today, but a range of cold food, drinks and refreshments can be purchased from our cafe and other outlets onsite.

"Patient catering has been affected, and contingency plans are in place to ensure the food and drinks needs of all our patients continue to be met.

"We would like to thank our colleagues at the hospital and partners from the fire, police and ambulance services for their rapid actions."

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