POLICE are searching for four teenage boys seen
running from a suspicious fire that forced the Northern Hospital to evacuate
wards on Wednesday.
Whittlesea Crime Investigation Unit detectives believe
arsonists set fire to vacant land adjacent to the Northern Hospital and Epping
Plaza around 3.50pm, police spokeswoman Belle Nolan said.
The blaze destroyed 35 hectares of grasslands. A hospital spokeswoman said some wards were evacuated while patients were
diverted from the emergency department to other facilities during the fire.
Ms Nolan said police had to assist a pregnant
woman in labour who had arrived at the hospital for her delivery.
She said detectives wanted to speak to four boys
aged between 13-17 who were seen running from the grasslands around the time of
the fire.
Anyone with any information can contact Crime
Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
