Crews save over half of derelict building following fire at former nursing home

Joint Fire Control received a call at 4.24am on Sunday 19 February 2023 to the former Abbeymoor Nursing Home, in Sherwood Road, Worksop

Crews from Worksop, Retford, Edwinstowe, Warsop, Mansfield, Tuxford and Clowne used six fire engines, an aerial ladder platform and water bowser to bring the fire under control.

Because of the swift work by firefighters, over half of the building was saved.

Station Manager Leigh Holmes, initial incident commander, said: "I want to praise the actions of our crews whose hard work has meant we have been able to save over half of this building.

"Thank you to the local community for their patience as we have dealt with the incident. We are likely to be in the area for some time and in the coming days as we make the building safe and conduct a fire investigation alongside our police partners."

A joint police and fire investigation will begin into the cause of the fire on Monday.

Two men, aged 27 and 33, were arrested on suspicion of arson after attending Bassetlaw Hospital. The 27-year-old suffered injuries which are currently believed to be potentially life-threatening.

Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We have arrested two suspects in connection with this incident, but our inquiries are at a very early stage and a full investigation into the cause of the fire will now take place.

“We would ask anyone who saw what happened, or has any further information, to contact us immediately.”

Information can be left, either by calling the police on 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.