09 August 2023 , 17:52
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Police have confirmed that a devastating fire at the Crooked House pub is being investigated as arson.
Detectives are probing the blaze at the historic boozer as suspicious, Staffordshire Police said on Wednesday evening. Fire broke out at the listed building on Saturday night, with 30 firefighters needed to tackle the flames.
The building in Himley, West Midlands, which was affectionately dubbed 'Britain's wonkiest pub' due to its slant, had to be demolished on Monday after the fire ravaged it leaving it a mere shell. It came just weeks after previous owners Marstons sold the pub to private owners Carly Taylor and husband Adam "for alternative use".
A police spokesperson said on Wednesday: "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."
Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Chisholm, Head of Specialist Crime, said: “We understand the significance of this much-loved building and the upset and anger felt by many so want to reassure you we’re doing all we can to understand more about what happened, and who was responsible. There is lots of misinformation circulating within communities and online and this is unhelpful.
Holiday family return to find everything they own - even cat - destroyed in fire
Fire broke out on Saturday night (BPM Media)"We’re trying to provide accurate and timely updates, but as I am sure you can appreciate, there is a lot of work and liaison with a number of partners which needs to be completed and this takes time. There are also certain things that police and fire do not have the powers to deal with, the decision around partial demolition of the building for example, when the scene was handed back to the owner.“
He added: "We are working hard with our fire colleagues to understand the cause of the fire and are in contact with the landowner, we will keep you updated with any further significant developments.” Police meanwhile have also urged the public against speculating as to the cause of the fire.
A spokesperson added: "We have spoken to, and continue to engage, with the owners. However, speculation is extremely unhelpful and could hinder our investigation." A handsome reward has been offered by a local businessman for tips on what may have caused the fire, meanwhile.
People inspect the rubble remains as they gather at The Crooked House pub in Himley, near Dudley (PA)Advertising executive Trevor Beattie took to Twitter offering to pay a reward "handsomely" to any whistleblower who can tell how the pub was burnt down. "It doesn't burn down," the 63-year-old wrote.
"1939-1945: Luftwaffe rains incendiary bombs on the West Midlands. It doesn't burn down. July 2023: It sells to property developers. August 2023: The Crooked House burns down. And is demolished."
The Crooked House dates back to the mid-18th century when it was originally built as a farmhouse. Due to mining during the 1800s, one side of the building began to sink, earning it its iconic lopsided facade. The pub's quirk saw punters visit from all over the world, although it sadly closed its doors and went on the market in March this year.