Police are investigating after a fire was deliberately set at the Prince Charles Hospital site in Merthyr Tydfil. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and police responded to the incident on Wednesday afternoon.
Fire set near helipad
In a statement, the hospital said the fire was set close to the hospital's helipad and was brought under control. No patients or hospital services were affected.
South Wales Police said they were called to reports of a fire at the hospital at 12.20pm and confirmed they are investigating the incident. No arrests have been made at this stage.
Hospital statement
Prince Charles Hospital's statement reads: "Yesterday, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Police teams responded to a fire that was deliberately started on our Prince Charles Hospital site."
"The fire was set close the hospital’s helipad, an essential part of our hospital system that is used to bring some of our most seriously ill and injured patients to hospital as quickly as possible, often when every minute matters."
"Thankfully, due to the quick response of the emergency services teams, the fire was brought under control, and no patients or hospital services were affected."
"However, this incident could have had more serious consequences."
"Deliberately setting fires, especially near a hospital, is extremely dangerous. It puts lives at risk, creates hazards for patients, staff and visitors, and can affect the services people depend on in an emergency."
"Our colleagues, as well as those working in our partnering emergency services, work tirelessly every day to keep our communities safe. Incidents like this place additional pressure on already busy teams and can divert attention and resources away from those who really need it."
"We would like to thank our colleagues in South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for their rapid response and support."
"We ask everyone to recognise the very real dangers and potentially life-changing consequences that deliberate fires can have, and to remind you to please be vigilant. If you see any suspicious behaviour in relation to deliberate fire setting, please inform South Wales Police by calling 101, or if you spot a new active fire, please call 999."
"If you have any information regarding the fire set at Prince Charles Hospital, please contact South Wales Police and quote reference 2600262796."
Police appeal
A South Wales Police spokesperson said: “South Wales Police are investigating a deliberate fire near Prince Charles Hospital that took place this afternoon"
"Anyone with any information is urged to contact us and quote reference 2600262796.”
