THREE cancer patients who died after a fire at a hospice were unlawfully killed, a coroner has concluded.

Pearl Spencer, 78, Jill Moon, 62, and David Denness, 81, died partly from the effects of the fire at St Michael's Hospice in St Leonards, East Sussex.

Forensic pathologist Dr Ashley Fegan-Earl told the inquest in Hastings they would not have died when they did if the fire had not occurred.

The hospice was fined £250,000 after admitting fire safety breaches.

Hove Crown Court heard staff were ill-trained to deal with such an event, and the main fire exit was locked.

The blaze on 11 July 2015 was started by another resident who died before he could go on trial for arson.

Irene Dibben, Chair of St Michael's Hospice, and Karen Clarke, Chief Executive of St Michael's Hospice, said: "We remain truly sorry for the pain and suffering caused by the fire. Our thoughts are with the families and it was with deep sadness that we heard their moving tributes and experiences during the inquests.

"This act of arson had a devastating impact. Comprehensive improvements have been made at the hospice and following a recent inspection by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, the fire safety level within the building was described as 'exemplary'.

"We have always been immensely proud of our staff who showed terrific bravery on the night, helping patients out of the fire often without regard to their own safety.

"We are grateful to the Coroner for publicly recognising the courage of our staff, firefighters and police officers, and agree with him that their actions were critical in saving lives."