FIRE crews have tackled a blaze at Warrington Hospital this evening.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene tonight, with large amounts of smoke seen in the area.

It is believed that a fire had started in a bin near to the Kendrick wing shortly after 7pm today, Christmas Eve.

No damage has been done to hospital buildings, with patients and staff also not involved in the incident.

Hospital services are unaffected, while the cause of the fire is not known at present.

Initially, it was feared that the Kendrick wing – the oldest building on the Lovely Lane estate – had caught fire for the second time in a year.

Parts of the building are still out of action following a previous fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, in March.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

A spokesman for Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "This evening at approximately 7pm, smoke was spotted at an external waste bin store adjacent to the hospital's Kendrick wing.

"All alarms fully activated, staff took appropriate action and Cheshire and Fire and Rescue Service responded promptly.

"A smoulering bin was dealt with, and the situation swiftly brough under control.

"There were no patients or staff involved, no harm was done to any buildings or infrastructure and there are no business continuity issues.

"The cause of the fire is unknown at present, and it will be investigated as part of usual process.

"There is no need for concern, or to contact the hospital about this issue."

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Hospital's Kendrick wing, pictured as of last week