Woman ‘Critical’ After Suspected Arson Blaze At Care Home

A WOMAN is in a critical condition after suspected arson at an old people’s home. The 58-year-old resident suffered severe burns in the fire at Park View home, in Clayton Hall Road, Clayton, early today.

She was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, but was expected to be transferred to the burns unit at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Another woman resident, 85, was also taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, but her condition is not life threatening.

Russell Jones, a director of the home, said: “The alarm and evacuation system worked as it should have done and everyone was evacuated – staff and residents.

“We don’t know the exact cause of the fire at the moment.”

About 20 residents live at the home.

A police spokesman said the incident was being treated as arson.

She said: “An investigation is underway to establish the cause of the fire.”

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire Service, said: “Fire crews were directed to a first- floor bedroom where the fire was.

“They had to force the door to get in and rescued the occupant. Crews also rescued the woman’s neighbour.”