Fire rips through old Smethwick pub after suspected arson attack
The Puffing Billy pub shut down in 2016 after a teenager was stabbed to death outside.
More than 30 firefighters tackled a fire after a suspected arson attack at a derelict Black Country pub.
Seven crews from across Sandwell were called to The Puffing Billy in Raglan Road, Smethwick, after a 999 call in the early hours today.
The blaze started at around 2.49am and a total of 33 firefighters were sent to the scene.
It is thought the fire was started deliberately, although investigations are ongoing.
Nobody is believed to have been injured.
The fire tore through the first floor of the pub, which closed three years ago after a stabbing nearby, while the ground floor was affected by smoke and water damage.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "At the height of the incident we had seven fire engines at the scene – mainly from the area.
"The incident involved a severe fire in a derelict pub. The first floor has been 100 per cent involved in the fire.
"There was 100 per cent smoke logging on the ground floor and water damage.
"Two firefighters wore breathing apparatus and we used five main water jets.
"We also used a hydraulic platform to fire water down on it.
"The incident is believed to have been started deliberately
"Investigations are ongoing."
The fire was fully extinguished at 6.31am and firefighters were still at the scene damping down three hours later.
The pub closed when its licence was revoked by Sandwell Council in 2016, weeks after 15-year-old Jamar Walker was stabbed to death outside.
