Two men arrested on suspicion of arson after blaze destroys Britain's wonkiest pub
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson in relation to the fire at 'Britain's wonkiest pub', the Crooked House pub in Himley.
The well-known wonky building was left totally destroyed when the fire broke out on 5 August, prompting fire services to be called to the scene near Dudley, England.
It took place just days after it was announced the building had been sold to a private buyer for 'an alternative use', and within 36 hours of the fire demolition vehicles turned up at the site and destroyed what was left of the historic structure.
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Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Staffordshire Police launched an investigation into the blaze, and two men, aged 66 and 33, have now been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, Staffordshire Police said.
After the building was demolished, South Staffordshire Council released a statement to say that the council did not deem the demolition of the building 'necessary'.
"This council finds the manner in which the situation was managed following the fire completely unacceptable and contrary to instructions provided by our officers," spokesperson Roger Lees said at the time.
"As such, we are currently investigating potential breaches of both the Town and Country Planning Act and the Buildings Act.
"We are also liaising with many other relevant statutory bodies, including Historic England, the police and fire services, amongst others..
"These bodies will take the lead on investigating the issues surrounding the fire, safety of the unauthorised demolition and securing the ongoing safety of the site."
After the police department announced it suspected the fire may have been a case of arson, Lee Goodchild, the former manager of The Crooked House, took to Facebook to make things 'absolutely clear'.
Lee wrote: "So there seems to be a few people with different thoughts of what's happened.
"But let me make this absolutely clear myself and the team at the Crooked House knew nothing about it being actually sold until the day I was told I could not reopen after the break in."
"All we did since September was try and get The Crooked House back to being open and back on the map," Lee continued.
"We spent tireless hours day after day someday seeing no more than a handful of people in the dark cold wet days through the autumn and winter but continued to do so.
"Always seeing the friendly regulars and visitors from all parts of the world."
Staffordshire Police are continuing to appeal for information about the blaze.
You can get in touch with the force by calling 101, quoting incident 761 of 5 August, or by messaging using the Live Chat on its website – www.staffordshire.police.uk.
You can also report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Emily Brown