Derriford Hospital partially evacuated after fire breaks out as cops launch probe into arson attack

COPS are investigating an arson attack at Derriford Hospital last night which saw patients evacuated.

Emergency services raced to the Plymouth hospital at around 6.00pm in response to reports of a fire in the 'high-rise' building.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service quickly evacuated patients and visitors.

They were seen gathered outside the entrance while firefighters established the blaze had been started deliberately in a toilet.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "There was a small fire in a toilet.

"We've only got one [appliance] there now but we have to send [multiple appliances] because it is a high rise building, and there is a potential risk there.

"This was a tiny fire and it was pretty much out when we got there."

There have been no confirmed casualties.

An eyewitness told : "Derriford Hospital has been part evacuated because of a fire in the downstairs toilets."