04 October 2023 , 14:48
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A sixth suspect has been arrested in connection with the blaze which destroyed the iconic Crooked House pub.
Staffordshire Police said today a 23-year-old man, who is from Leicestershire, was arrested on Tuesday. He was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered and has been released on conditional bail, the force said.
It follows four men and one woman previously being arrested in connection with the blaze that destroyed the 18th century pub near Dudley, West Midlands, on August 5. The men, aged 33, 44, 51 and 66, and the woman, aged 34, have all been released on conditional bail.
Police said their investigation into the fire at the pub, known as Britain’s wonkiest, continues, and urged anyone with information to contact the force. Officers have been trawling through CCTV footage since the fire.
Crooked House was renowned for its distinctive 16-degree slant. This attracted punters from all over the world to see its seemingly wonky doorways and the optical illusion where marbles rolled uphill along the bar.
Holiday family return to find everything they own - even cat - destroyed in fire
However, after a break in around the new year, the pub was shut, before owners Marstons announced it had been sold. South Staffordshire Council has been assisting police with their investigation.
One of the first firefighters at the scene had said his crew's access to the building was restricted due to a mound of dirt "blocking" the rural road. A local had also reported seeing intruders inside the building moments before it erupted in flames.
Firefighters said access was difficult due to mounds of dirt blocking the road, forcing crews to park up about a third of the way up the lane and roll out about 40 lengths of hose to get a working water supply to the building as flames engulfed the historic pub. Staffordshire Police said the force is still asking those people who might have information which can help officers to get in touch if they haven’t already. It said: "Call us on 101, or message us using Live Chat on our website. If you prefer to report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."