A FORMER patient has been questioned by police in connection with a suspected arson attack on a hospital, it was revealed today.

But detectives have been unable to pursue the line of inquiry after the man was sectioned for a 28-day assessment by doctors.

Police will then learn whether he is fit for further questioning in connection with the fire at Queens Park Hospital, Blackburn, last Wednesday.

Around £30,000 worth of damage was caused to the second floor of the mental health unit. Firefighters said the blaze was started in a pile of washing stacked in a room.

The fire spread to part of the roof, caused 50 per cent of damage to one room and smoke-logged the rest of the floor.

A fire-resistant door prevented the blaze spreading to half of the ward.

Cleaners have been working hard to clear that section so it can be reopened this week, but the other half of the ward is expected to be closed for some time.

The 16 evacuated patients are soon expected to be transferred back from a facility in Accrington, where they have been since the fire.

Staff at the unit were praised by the unit's management for acting swiftly, following guidelines and keeping any disruption for patients to a minimum.

Detective Inspector Neil Hunter said: "It was a large fire and caused expensive damage to the hospital.

"One man has been arrested and questioned, but he was previously a resident or patient at the hospital and his medical state meant that we were unable to question him further.

"He has been sectioned and will have a 28-day assessment to see whether he is able to be interviewed.

"We will liaise with the health authority to see if he is able to be interviewed and if he is, we will get him back in."