Flats fire forces tenants to move after suspected arson

Residents of the three-storey Keats Road block have been told to leave their homes for up to a week with a landlord offering to put some people up in one of his pubs.

Pub owner Pomy Kang, aged 41, who runs Poets Corner a stones-throw from the incident, has offered to help out any decamped residents from the whg premises.

He said: “There was a loud bang and loads of smoke coming out into the street.

“It was a bit of madness which was quite shocking for the neighbours. I have another pub in Bloxwich called The Sneyd. I have offered to put people up there.”

Jemma Hammerton, who lives in the block, won’t be able to move back in until Monday.

She said: “I ran outside and my friends went shooting up the stairs to go and see if anyone was inside. I had to run back in to get my dogs lead.

“By the time I went back out the whole place was filled with smoke. If the kids were in the top floor I don’t think they would have made it.

“I’ve got severe water damage in my flat which I’ve newly plastered and decorated. I’ve done it all by myself.”

Tenants from six flats, including families with young children, have had to find accommodation elsewhere for the next few days due to smoke and fire damage.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokeswoman said: “The fire was on the first floor of a block of flats. The residents were evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire service.”

Rob Gilham, corporate director of operations at whg, responsible for the properties, said: “As a result of some fire and smoke damage to the communal areas, residents from six flats have vacated the building.

Residents have been offered hotel accommodation with the costs paid for by whg, but all have decided to stay with relatives until the repairs and cleaning works to the building have been completed. None of the residents living at the block were injured.”

Police have arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.