This is the first picture of the charred remains of a hospital kitchen which police believe was destroyed by arsonists.

Not a single part of the main kitchen at the Conquest Hospital, Hastings, has been untouched by flames which tore through the site early on Tuesday.

The damage was today estimated to be more than £300,000, which will have to be met through the hospital trust's insurance.

A team of detectives has been assigned to tracing those responsible after a day-long investigation concluded it had been started deliberately.

Scenes-of-crime officers picked through the devastated remains of the kitchen for further clues.

The fire happened days before catering contractor Sodexho was due to hand over its contract to Hastings and Rother NHS Trust at 9pm on Saturday.

Detective Constable Paul Casey, of Hastings CID, said: "Scenes-of-crime have been taking away various items away for forensic examination and, of course, they will be followed up."

Hot meals were today still being brought in from the neighbouring Eastbourne District General Hospital. The arrangement is due to last until Sunday when another caterer will have to be found.

A hospital statement said: "We are concerned that police believe it to be suspicious and we are doing all we can to assist them in their inquiries."