Man dies after fire on Royal Blackburn Hospital ward
A man has died after fire broke out on a hospital ward. Lancashire Police said it was called by the North West Ambulance Service to Broadway, Accrington, on Christmas Day at about 09:00 GMT to help colleagues with a man who had been detained under the Mental Health Act. The police left the scene and the man was taken to hospital.
The force was called to the Royal Blackburn Hospital later that day by a report of arson. A man in his 30s was found unresponsive and died the following day, police said. A police spokesperson said: "We have made a mandatory referral to the IOPC in relation to the interaction on Monday morning.
"It would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage." A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it dispatched four fire engines and an investigation was in progress to determine the cause. The fire service spokesperson added: "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends affected."
The BBC has approached the hospital trust for comment.
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