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Disused hospital building fire treated as deliberate

News imageBBC Firefighters in a height vehicle using water to dampen down the shell of a building hit by fire.BBC
Fire crews left the scene on Tuesday afternoon but a cordon remains in place

Investigators believe a major blaze at a disused hospital building in Aberdeen was started deliberately.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said about 60 firefighters and multiple appliances - which included specialist resources - were sent to Woodend Hospital after the alarm was raised just before 21:50 on Monday.

NHS Grampian said the blaze was in the Westholme building, a disused office block about 60m (197ft) from the closest hospital building.

Police Scotland said the fire - in which nobody was injured - was being treated as wilful and inquiries were ongoing.

News imageFubar News Flames engulf a large building at night, with thick smoke billowing into the sky as fire spreads through the roof and windows.Fubar News
The serious fire was tackled overnight into Tuesday

SFRS crews worked overnight to contain the fire to the first floor and parts of the ground floor.

They left the scene on Tuesday afternoon.

NHS Grampian said that no patients or staff currently occupied the building and appointments and services at the nearby hospital were running as scheduled.

A cordon remains in place and members of the public have been advised to continue to avoid the area if possible.