Crooked House investigation praised as Staffordshire Police improves under 'special measures'
Staffordshire Police's top cop has backed detectives in charge of the investigation into The Crooked House after the case "attracted international attention".
The endorsement came just hours before the announcement a sixth person has been arrested in connection with the historic pub's demise on August 5.
At a Public Performance Meeting at Stafford Council House yesterday the force's top brass and the Staffordshire Police and Fire Commissioner Ben Adams discussed a wide range of issues.
Last June, Staffordshire Police Force was placed into "special measures" by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services after concerns how victims and investigations were handled.
Against that backdrop the forced was faced with one of its most high-profile investigations in recent memory when The Crooked House, near Himley, was set alight and then demolished.
The historic pub's demise sparked a massive wave of revulsion and anger on social media as well as coverage from news outlets across the world, which do not have to adhere to the UK's strict contempt of court laws, which would have complicated any investigation.
Commissioner Adams made a point of singling out The Crooked House investigation for praise when asking the Chief Constable for his quarterly progress report. .
Chief Constable Chris Noble said: "I wanted to mention The Crooked House, the pub which has attracted international attention following the suspected arson and subsequent demolition of this cultural landmark earlier in the summer.
"The pub was an important cultural landmark in the county, and I want to assure the public that my officers continue to work hard to gather the evidence necessary to prosecute those who may have been responsible."
Due to the complex nature of the operation, the investigating team has had to work closely with other organisations including the fire service, Dudley Council, West Midlands Combined Authority, The Environment Agency, HM Revenue and Customs as well as local and national politicians.
The Chief Constable added: "There is not much more I can say concerning the investigation. We are working very closely with the local authority concerning a timeline of events."
The latest arrest in the case came on Tuesday when a 23-year-old man from Leicestershire was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered and has been released on conditional bail.
Previously four men, aged 33, 44, 51 and 66, and one woman, aged 34, have all been released on conditional bail.
Both Commissioner Adams and Chief Constable both outlined progress made by the force and its staff after being being placed in special measures.
The Chief Constable said: "I am pleased to say that in our most recent meeting with policing stakeholders, including His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary & Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), they recognised that the force is achieving sustained, embedded improvement in key areas that they have been monitoring."