FIREFIGHTERS were left frustrated after they were called to a derelict hospital twice in the space of 24 hours.

Emergency services were deployed to the former Battle Hospital on Portman Road shortly after midnight on Saturday (July 8).

They found a number of smaller fires in the disused site across several floors, only to return the following evening to deal with a larger blaze.

The localised fires spiraled out of control and required the help of 14 firefighters from across the town.

A crew from Caversham Road station used breathing apparatus and hose reels to extinguish the blaze, before clearing the smoke.

It is believed that no injuries were sustained during both fires and nobody was inside the building when fire crews arrived.

Watch manager Matt Hoult from Caversham said: "We were sent out to the derelict Battle Hospital site on Portman road again last night.

"We had already been sent to the same site on Saturday, but we received reports of another fire the following evening.

"It is believed they have been deliberately started by trespassers and squatters who are attempting to keep warm.

"We have had a number of cases at this site over the last few weeks due to the lack of security in the nearby area.

"Last night (Sunday) the three-storey building was alight again and we were at the scene from 11pm to 1.30am.

"The police were called, but they were not there for very long. Nobody was inside the building, as we believe they fled the scene after the fire got out of hand."