Third person arrested over Crooked House fire
On Thursday 7 September Staffordshire Police confirmed a 51-year-old man from Buckingham had been arrested on conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
A statement from Staffordshire Police explained officers had been “trawling” through CCTV footage and speaking to people who have come forward with information since the fire on 5 August.
The 51-year-old has been released on conditional bail while police continue to carry out a number of lines of enquiry.
Important information
In its statement, Staffordshire Police said: “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.
“We are still asking those people who might have information which can help us to get in touch if they haven’t already.”
A 66-year-old man from Dudley, West Midlands, and a 33-year-old man from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life last month.
Up to 30 firefighters from West Midlands Fire Service tackled the inferno following reports of smoke and flames coming from the building, using a high-volume pump and number of main jets to extinguish the flames.
National tragedy
Formerly owned by Marston’s, the 18th century pub on Himley Road, known as Britain’s ‘wonkiest pub’, was demolished shortly after the blaze.
Campaigners, including the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA), have called for the pub to be rebuilt brick-by-brick and want to see the venue “rise from the ashes”.
CAMRA chairman Nik Antona described the Crooked House blaze as a “national tragedy”.
He said: “The destruction of this iconic pub has brought a nationwide scandal to the forefront of people’s minds.”
