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Torquay man arrested after mental health unit fire

Elliot Ball
BBC News, South West
Google Maps The Chadwell Centre in Paignton. The car park outside the white and cream-coloured building is filled with vehicles. A brick wall is on the perimeter of the car park. There are blue and white NHS signs saying the car park is private. Trees are dotted around the opposite side of the car park.Google Maps
Police were called to the scene in the early hours of Thursday morning

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a Devon mental health unit was damaged in a fire, police have said.

The incident happened at the Chadwell Centre on Torquay Road in Paignton at about 02:35 GMT on Thursday.

Devon and Cornwall Police reported no injuries but said a 37-year-old from Torquay had been arrested and later released on police bail.

Devon Partnership NHS Trust, which runs the site, said the building was used to support adults and older people with mental health needs and upcoming appointments would be rearranged.

It said: "The building will be out of use for some time and we are making alternative arrangements for the foreseeable future for our staff and the people we support.

"We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our colleagues from the emergency services for their support."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said 25% of the building had been damaged by fire, with 50% damaged by smoke.

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