A fire has erupted at Broadmoor Hospital in Crowthorne, Berkshire, a high-security psychiatric facility known for housing some of the UK’s most notorious criminals. Huge flames and thick plumes of black smoke are currently billowing from the site.
Footage and Response
Footage shared on social media shows the fire and the large black plume of smoke rising from the hospital grounds. The blaze appears to be concentrated in one of the old Victorian residential blocks on the west side of the complex, which are no longer in use.
Authorities on Scene
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police confirmed that officers are on the scene and assisting with road closures. They assured the public that, at this stage, there is no impact on the wider road network.
Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility, has seen some of the UK’s most infamous criminals pass through its doors, including Ronnie Kray, the Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, and Robert Maudsley. Currently, it holds individuals such as Ian Ball, who attempted to kidnap Princess Anne in 1974, and Michael Adebowale, one of the terrorists convicted of killing Lee Rigby.
Redevelopment and New Facilities
The Victorian buildings affected by the fire are part of a redevelopment plan to convert the Grade II heritage site into a hotel. These buildings are no longer used as part of the hospital’s operations. The new Broadmoor Hospital, which opened next door in 2019, provides modern facilities, as the older buildings were deemed unfit for purpose.
Patient Care
All patients at Broadmoor are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. The hospital has the capacity to cater for 240 patients who suffer from mental illness and personality disorders. According to the NHS, the average length of stay at Broadmoor is five to six years, though this can vary. Patients are often transferred to lower-security facilities once they are no longer considered a risk to themselves or others.
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment. Further details about the incident and its impact are expected to emerge as emergency services continue to respond.
