Huddersfield’s children’s hospice has been forced to close after a fire.

Firefighters were called to The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice at Brackenhall at 7.30am on Tuesday.

There was only one child being cared for at the time and staff had evacuated the premises by the time two fire crews from Huddersfield and one from Rastrick attended.

No-one was injured.

Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building and found flames in an electrical plant room had spread to a void between the ceiling and floor, causing damage and thick smoke.

Hospice chief executive, Peter Branson, said the main power had been cut meaning they could not be open for a day or two.

And he said it was fortunate that only one poorly child was under their care at the time.

He said: “The team in the building at the time dealt with the incident quickly and appropriately and as a result of their action they prevented anyone being harmed.

“There was one child being cared for in the hospice at the time who was quickly taken to safety.

“The child has been taken home and wasn’t affected at all.

“We are now caring for the child at home.”

Chief Executive of the hospice, Peter Branson..

He added: “The fire appears to have started in a main electricity panel.

“As a result we are likely to be without power for some time and the hospice will therefore have to remain closed until further notice.

“We’re not clear yet how long that will be.

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“The fire also caused some small damage to one of the offices in the hospice. We would like to thank the West Yorkshire Fire Service who responded immediately and helped to minimise the effects of the fire. We are now dealing with the damage caused.

“We will continue to provide care through our hospice at home service, and we will do everything we can to minimise the disruption to the children and families we are caring for.

“All families will be contacted by the care team but can contact us in the usual way should they have any questions or concerns.

“We will do our best to be back in the hospice as soon as possible, but in the meantime we will need to count on the continued support of the whole community as we deal with this.

“Supporters can reach us as usual by email and on the main hospice number (01484 411 040).

“As always we are immensely grateful for the amazing support we receive which helps us care for children and families.”