Multiple fire engines from across Swindon rushed to the Great Western Hospital on Wednesday afternoon after a fire broke out.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service were called to the Swindon hospital just after 2.30pm on Wednesday, June 26, and a number of patients and visitors were evacuated from the building.

Fire crews say a small fire had broken out in the lift motor room that was out on arrival, but firefighters were still able to isolate the electrics in the room.

One crew member stayed behind the monitor the situation.

Onlookers say that fire engines swarmed the front of the hospital.Onlookers say that fire engines swarmed the front of the hospital. (Image: Newsquest)

“This afternoon, a fire alarm was activated on the fourth floor," said a spokesperson for the Great Western Hospitals Foundation Trust.

"Some patients and visitors were evacuated from areas on this floor, and other site entrances were closed whilst the fire service attended.

"The fire service has now stood down the incident after deeming the environment safe, and all patients are being returned to clinical areas.

"We'd like to thank staff for their prompt and efficient response to the incident.”

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service added: "We were called at 2:48pm today with reports of a fire at Great Western Hospital. 

"Four fire engines were mobilised, two from Stratton, one from Swindon and one from Westlea, and the ALP from Swindon.

"The stop was in at 3.05pm."