Arson and cannabis arrest after roof destroyed in house fire
A man has been arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and arson after a fire broke out at a house in the Black Country.
Emergency services were called out to Kenelm Road, in Coseley, Bilston, at 2.49am on Sunday where they found a house with its roof alight.
Police officers found evidence of a cannabis set-up discovered in the roof, with a 32-year-old arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and arson.
He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue, a spokesman for West Midlands Police confirmed.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire & Rescue Service described the blaze as "severe", adding that it was "100 per cent involvement of the roof space".
"There's been quite a bit of damage," she said.
Nearby residents said the "whole street was out" as the blaze took hold, with fire crews rushing to the quiet road which is close to Coseley Railway Station.
One man, who did not wish to be named, said efforts were now ongoing to salvage items from the household.
He said: "There was some smoke [which woke the residents up] in the night, around 2am. They opened the loft hatch and led and then the flames [caused the damage to the roof].
"Everyone is healthy, nobody is injured. The neighbours were disturbed by it a bit. They're salvaging what they can, it's dangerous because of the rain coming down and because of the roof.
"It ripped through the loft and everyone didn't notice – they were asleep at around 2am in the morning."
One hydraulic platform and three pumps were sent to the scene, with fire crews standing down at 6.34am.
