FIRE crews spent over six hours tackling a blaze at a former Hereford hospital building last night.

Six fire crews - two from Hereford and one each from Ewyas Harold, Fownhope, Leominster and Peterchurch – plus the incident command unit from Ledbury and the aerial ladder platform from Worcester were called to Eign Street shortly before 4.35pm.

A derelict building that used to be NHS offices, next to the old Victoria Eye Hospital, was well alight, with smoke billowing into the sky.

The fire was fought using three main jets and five hose reel jets. Gas and electrics to the building were isolated, with police sent to the scene.

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Fire crews eventually left just after 11pm, with further inspections taking place at 3am and 7.45am this morning (Wednesday) to check for hotspots.

A fire service spokesperson said there is no indication what caused the fire at this stage.

We have contacted West Mercia Police for a statement.