Arson suspected as firefighters tackle blaze at former Dudley pub
Around 30 firefighters tackled a blaze at a former pub in Dudley which was believed to have been started by arsonists.
The fire took place at The Fiddlers Arms, in Gornalwood, on Friday evening.
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) said the building sustained around 30 per cent damage.
A WMFS spokesman said: "There weren't any casualties. There were two scenes of fire which generally indicates that is arson."
Fire crews were called to the blaze in Straits Road at 7.25pm, with six engines attending at its peak.
Firefighters also used a hydraulic platform as flames were seen coming through the roof, said WMFS.
The spokesman for WMFS added: "The incident involved a void public house, with the fire involving the first floor of the building.
"The fire caused around 30 per cent damage to the building."
West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service also attended.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We were called following a fire at a derelict pub in Strait Road, Lower Gornal, just before 8pm yesterday.
"The fire is being treated as arson and anyone with information can contact us via live chat or by calling 101. Quote 20/638914/21."
Plans were put forward to demolish the pub in March this year for housing, but were withdrawn two months later.
Dudley North MP Marco Longhi said: "I am very disappointed to hear arsonists have targeted the much-loved Fiddlers Arms building.
"I have been liaising with the Council to try and get the building secured since early May.
"As progress had not been made by the owner to secure the building, I raised the issue with the chief executive last Wednesday as well as the regeneration team on Friday, with the aim of getting a Section 215 notice placed on the building.
"I will visit the site with the Dudley Council’s regeneration team to see what options are available."
