New arrest in Crooked House pub fire investigation

A 23-year-old man has been arrested over a blaze that tore through the Crooked House pub.

The man, from Leicestershire, was detained on Tuesday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered, police said.

He has been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.

Once known as "Britain's wonkiest" inn, the pub in Himley, Staffordshire, was gutted in the fire on 5 August.

It was demolished less than two days later, infuriating many in the local community who treasured the landmark building - one of the best known in the Black Country - and prompting anger across the UK.

Four men and a woman previously arrested as part of the investigation all remain on conditional bail, Staffordshire Police said.

The woman, 34, and a man, 44, both also from Leicestershire, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Three other men, aged 66, 51 and 33, had been held on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Officers are continuing to appeal for any information that may assist the investigation.

The 18th Century pub, near Dudley, was known for its sloping walls and floor, caused by mining subsidence in the area.

The former farmhouse had been sold in July by Marston's to ATE Farms Limited.

South Staffordshire Council is conducting its own investigation into the pub's demolition.

The local authority said it had permitted only part of the building to be demolished on safety grounds, and had not agreed to the total destruction of the site.

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