Arsonists strike at empty pubs

Arsonists set fire to two derelict pubs in the Black Country today — just 24 hours after two other empty pubs in the area were deliberately set alight.

The Jolly Nailor in West Bromwich and The New Highcroft pub in Wolverhampton were left badly damaged in the fires, just minutes apart.

Residents were evacuated from a block of flats following the West Bromwich blaze.

Firefighters from Fallings Park station, were called to the blaze at the New Highcroft, in The Scotlands, Wolverhampton, at 4.32am. Watch commander George Smith said: "It was a derelict pub therefore we suspect it was arson. There is a bit of a trend with pubs being targeted."

Flames ripped through the Jolly Nailor at 4am. Although the pub has been derelict since December, firefighters found a mattress, clothing and other items to suggest people had been living inside.

Residents from nearby flats in Grafton Road were evacuated as a precaution. Lara Hughes, aged 21, said: "When I opened the door we could see flames bellowing out of the pub, so we ran back into the flat and got everyone else out."

Intruders sparked a blaze at The Black Horse, in Walsall, on Wednesday night. The Falcon, in Messenger Road, Smethwick, was also damaged in a fire yesterday.