A derelict old people s home went up in flames twice in less than seven hours. The fire service was called at just before 9.30pm yesterday (Monday) evening to a fire in the ground floor of Woodfield in Rectory Lane, Stevenage The blaze in the empty forme

A derelict old people's home went up in flames twice in less than seven hours.

The fire service was called at just before 9.30pm yesterday (Monday) evening to a fire in the ground floor of Woodfield in Rectory Lane, Stevenage.

The blaze in the empty former residential home was tackled by three fire crews with two jets. .

Police directed traffic during the fire which was declared out shortly before 11pm.

But fire crews were called again at just before 4am.

On arrival they found the first floor and the roof well alight.

Six engines from Stevenage, Hitchin and Baldock tackled the blaze with five jets in use and it was declared out at 7.43am.

Police closed the road shortly after 5am.

Around 50 per cent of the building has been damaged. A fire investigation is being carried out this morning.