07 September 2023 , 11:53
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A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the suspected arson at the Crooked House pub.
Staffordshire Police say the 51-year-old man was detained in Buckingham, which is more than 70 miles from the site of the former iconic pub. Officers have been trawling through CCTV footage since the fire on August 5.
A spokesperson for the force said: "We have arrested a third man as our investigation into the fire at the Crooked House pub continues.
"Officers have been trawling through CCTV footage and speaking to those who have come forward with information since the fire on 5 August."
The burnt-out Crooked House pub near Dudley following the fire (SWNS)The spokesperson continued: "We can now confirm that a 51-year-old man, from Buckingham, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered. He has since been released on conditional police bail while we continue to carry out a number of lines of enquiry.
Holiday family return to find everything they own - even cat - destroyed in fire
"We would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with important information about this investigation and those who are continuing to engage positively with officers.
"We understand that speculation is still widespread, both locally and online. We’d like to reiterate that we are working hard to get through an extensive list of enquiries at this time.
"The 66-year-old man and the 33-year-old man, who were previously arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, remain on conditional police bail at this time. We are still asking those people who might have information which can help us to get in touch if they haven’t already."
Crooked House was an 18th century pub near Dudley, West Midlands and 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.
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.