Arsonists set fire to office site

An historic building that houses a register office has been damaged by fire after arsonists got around recently-installed security defences.

Flames tore through part of the ground floor at Priory Hall, in leafy Priory Park, Dudley, after the blaze was started at around 7pm last night, engulfing two rooms before it was brought under control.

The fire was started at the rear of the 216-year-old building in rooms used by site owners Dudley Council as a training and conference centre.

Firefighters worked for more than two hours to put out the blaze, with part of the first floor having to be cut away to ensure flames did not spread.The fire was stopped before it reached the marriage suite, with bosses saying all weddings due to take place at the hall today would go ahead as planned.

Last night's attack comes just months after a £210,000 ring of steel fencing was put up to protect the hall after a string of arson attacks over the past few years.

The most serious attack in 2004, which caused £120,000 of damage, meant the hall had to be closed and weddings held at different locations in the borough.

A police investigation has been launched into last night's attack.