Appeal continues following former pub fire

We are continuing to appeal for information as part of our investigation into the Crooked House building fire in Himley.

At 10.45pm on Saturday night (5 August), we were called to Himley Road following reports of a fire.

We closed the road whilst colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire.

Since then, we have been investigating all of the available evidence into the cause alongside fire investigators and continue to carry out enquiries today (8 August).

Chief Inspector Chris Cotton said: “We understand the strength of feeling in the community is high at this moment and the sadness felt amongst those who have a strong emotional attachment to this place.  

“We recognise the cultural heritage and significance of the building within communities in the area and we understand that people are concerned about what happened over the last few days.

“I’d like to reiterate that speculation into the cause of the fire is not helpful at this time. Officers have been working hard to examine all of the evidence available and continue to speak to members of the public who have been forthcoming with information which can help our investigation.

“A cordon was in place temporarily whilst we carried out enquiries at the scene, but, due to the unsafe structure of the building, officers were pulled back and the scene was stood down.

“Since then, the area has been in the care of the landowners and the building has since been demolished.

“We are progressing a number of lines of enquiry alongside South Staffordshire Council and continue to ask anyone with any information to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

"We understand that the community have a vested interest in this incident. We are doing everything we can to progress our lines of enquiry and review the evidence available to progress the investigation.”

Anyone with any information, particularly those with footage from the area over the last few days or prior to the incident are urged to get in touch with us.

Call us on 101, quoting incident 761 of 5 August, or message us using Live Chat on our website – www.staffordshire.police.uk

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.