Two women held over care home fire

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a care home fire in Lancashire.

The duo, a 17-year-old girl and a 27-year-old woman, were taken into custody after the blaze at Cleveleys Park rest home on Stockdove Way, Cleveleys.

The fire, which detectives confirmed was intentionally started at 6pm on Monday, left a 96-year-old woman in a critical condition and injured five others.

The two employees and four residents were taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital to be treated.

On Tuesday Detective Superintendent Neil Esseen, of Lancashire Police, said: “Working in conjunction with the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, we have carried out an examination of the scene and have concluded that the cause of the fire was deliberate ignition.

“Our investigation will now focus on who started the fire and we have two people in custody assisting us with our enquiries.”

The arrested pair are both from Cleveleys.