An abandoned nursing home has been targeted by arsonists. A fire broke out at Trengrouse House in Helston just before 9pm on Wednesday, April 30, according to Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service. Emergency services were quick to respond, discovering one room fully engulfed in flames. An axe was used to access the vacant building, which has been unused since its closure.

Firefighters employed two breathing apparatuses and a hose reel jet to quell the fire, ensuring it did not spread to other areas of the structure. The fire service has confirmed in a statement that the fire was intentionally set, reports Cornwall Live.

A spokesperson from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire appliances from Helston and Tolvaddon attended a call to a derelict building with smoke issuing from it."

"On crews arrival they confirmed one room was well alight, an axe was used to gain entry to the room and then two breathing apparatus and one hose reel was used to extinguish the fire.

"A further two breathing apparatuses were used to check the fire had not spread to other parts of the building. The fire was confirmed as arson."

Now police have confirmed that they are investigating the incident.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police told the Falmouth Packet: “Police are investigating a report of arson to a derelict building on Trengrouse Way, Helston. It was reported that a small fire had been found in the building just before 9pm on Wednesday, 30 April. Police enquiries remain ongoing in relation to this incident.”

Trengrouse House was already shut down when it came under the ownership of Cornwall Council in 2022. The following year, the council decided to sell the Helston care home, along with Trefula House in St Day, deeming them unfit for purpose.