Derelict Wednesbury pub hit by arson

A derelict pub that is being demolished has been targeted by arsonists for the third time this year, closing a busy Black Country road.

The Bush in Leabrook Road, Wednesbury was set alight last night, destroying most of the first floor and wrecking part of the roof.

Work has already started to knock down the pub after it was bought from Penn Street Taverns.

The road had to be shut for about an hour while three fire crews tackled the blaze. Crews from Tipton and Bilston were called at about 8.30pm.

Watch Commander Gary Melville said the fire was believed to have been an arson attack.

In February the building was targeted by arsonists, and the blaze ripped through the top floor. And in January a unit at the back of the building was destroyed by fire.