A FIRE which broke out in a derelict care home last night (Thursday) is believed to have been started by rough sleepers. Firefighters were called to James Marshall House in Leyton Road, Harpenden, at around 7.30pm to reports of smoke issuing from the buil

A FIRE which broke out in a derelict care home last night (Thursday) is believed to have been started by rough sleepers.

Firefighters were called to James Marshall House in Leyton Road, Harpenden, at around 7.30pm to reports of smoke issuing from the building.

On further inspection, firefighters wearing breathing apparatus found that the fire was contained to a large room on the first floor and quickly put out the flames.

The firefighters said it was clear the room was being occupied and said the fire was probably started by rough sleepers.

It's not the first time that a fire has broken out in the derelict care home. In June of last year, a massive blaze engulfed the building which took six crews of firefighters to control.

That fire, which left extensive damage to the building, was also started deliberately.