• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
Police investigating arson at famous Crooked House pub give update

Home> News> UK News

Published 09:55 12 Aug 2023 GMT+1

Police investigating arson at famous Crooked House pub give update

The pub was gutted by a fire last weekend

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Police investigating a suspected arson attack at the Crooked House pub have given an update.

The well-known 18th-century boozer in Himley near Dudley, was completely gutted by a fire on Saturday (5 August) evening and was then demolished by a digger on Monday (7 August).

Two days later, Staffordshire Police told the media that they were treating the fire as arson and would be carrying out a full investigation.

“Our investigation into a fire at the Crooked House on Himley Road last Saturday continues as we try to understand the circumstances, which we are now treating as arson,” a spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said.

Advert

The Crooked House has become a tourist attraction as well as a popular pub.
Change.org/ Paul Turner

“This fire has shocked and upset so many given the, albeit not listed, cultural importance and heritage of the building.

“This is not lost on us and a robust investigation using all available information and forensic opportunities is being carried out.”

In a new update, Staffordshire Police has now said it is examining CCTV, forensics and witness accounts to try to get to the bottom of what happened.

Facebook/The Crooked House

Advert

The force said: "There has been considerable speculation circulating within communities and online which, while understandable, has been unhelpful.

"We are trying to provide accurate and timely updates, but as you can appreciate, there is significant work and liaison required with a number of partners which needs to be completed.

"All of this takes time. We appreciate your patience."

The force added: "We fully recognise the impact of the fire and later demolition of the building on the community, given the significance of this distinctive and popular attraction."

No prizes for guessing why it's called The Crooked House.
Wikimedia Commons/Peter Broster

Advert

The local council has also launched its own investigation, after it was revealed that it had only granted permission for the top floor to be demolished - not the entire building.

Leader of the council Roger Lees said: "At no point did the council agree the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed 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.

"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.

Advert

"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.

"Our own investigation is in its early stages and whilst it continues at pace, we ask for time to consider the facts thoroughly to ensure any future actions are meaningful and proportionate."

Featured Image Credit: PA/Facebook/TheCrookedHouse2022

Topics: UK News, Food And Drink

Claire Reid
Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

7 hours ago
9 hours ago
  • 7 hours ago

    Jurors reach partial verdict in Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex-trafficking trial

    The jury reached a partial verdict after more than 12 hours of deliberations, following weeks of disturbing testimony.

    News
  • 9 hours ago

    Archaeologists make 90 metre long Ancient Roman discovery buried on the ocean floor

    Divers excavated something in Italy that could reveal Roman-era secrets

    News
  • 9 hours ago

    'Worst shark attack ever' saw desperate crew feed dead to sharks as they circled in bloodbath

    If you've seen Jaws, then you'll know about this

    News
  • 9 hours ago

    'Infuriated' swingers speak out on the impact Diddy's 'freak-off' parties had on community

    Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyers caused an outcry in the swinging community

    News
  • Jeremy Clarkson's controversial pub rule that sparked months of backlash could be solved
  • Jeremy Clarkson's pub finally removes 'weird' rule after major breakthrough
  • Jeremy Clarkson makes promise for ‘as long he lives’ after buying The Farmer’s Dog pub
  • Man shares update months after waking up in hospital to learn partner died after they ate meal