etectives are treating the hearth on the historic Crooked Home pub as arson, Staffordshire Police have stated.
Some 30 firefighters had been wanted to deal with the blaze on the pub in Himley, close to Dudley within the West Midlands, on Saturday night and it was demolished two days later.
The drive stated on Wednesday night: “This fireplace has shocked and upset so many given the, albeit not listed, cultural significance and heritage of the constructing.
“This isn’t misplaced on us and a sturdy investigation utilizing all accessible info and forensic alternatives is being carried out.”
We perceive the importance of this much-loved constructing, and the upset and anger felt by many, so wish to reassure you we’re doing all we are able to to grasp extra about what occurred and who was accountable
The police stated they’ve spoken to the house owners of the pub and continued to interact with them.
The drive added that hypothesis is extraordinarily unhelpful and will hinder its investigation.
A joint investigation is being carried out by the police and Staffordshire Fireplace and Rescue Service.
Police are liaising carefully with hearth investigators, who’ve confirmed the reason for the hearth can not at present be decided, however the drive stated they’re following up on plenty of strains of inquiry.
A specialist hearth investigator has examined the scene to attempt to decide the reason for the hearth.
The hearth service additionally revisited the grounds on Wednesday with a specialist accelerant detection canine to research additional.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Chisholm, head of specialist crime at Staffordshire Police, stated: “We perceive the importance of this much-loved constructing, and the upset and anger felt by many, so wish to reassure you we’re doing all we are able to to grasp extra about what occurred and who was accountable.
“There’s a lot of misinformation circulating inside communities and on-line, and that is unhelpful. We’re attempting to offer correct and well timed updates, however as I’m certain you’ll be able to admire there may be a number of work and liaison with plenty of companions which must be accomplished, and this takes time.
“There are additionally sure issues that police and hearth wouldn’t have the powers to cope with, the choice round partial demolition of the constructing, for instance, when the scene was handed again to the proprietor.
“We’re working onerous with our hearth colleagues to grasp the reason for the hearth and are in touch with the landowner, we are going to preserve you up to date with any additional important developments.”
Anybody with info is inspired to get in contact with the police by way of 101 quoting incident 761 of August 5.
People can even name Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use the Stay Chat on the Staffordshire Police web site.
