'The community spirit in Sedgley last night was immense' - Nightclub boss praises those who rallied to help after fire

The blaze broke out around 4.45pm and fire crews were there within minutes - staff at the venue were getting ready to open for the day and had to evacuate the building quickly, taking shelter in the Red Lion Pub on the Bull Ring.

District 21 only opened in November in Sedgley on the site of the former Monty's Wine Bar and is run by the same group who own and operate The Hangar and Bank venues in Wolverhampton.

Nathan, who is part of a team overseeing all three, praised the 'community spirit' in Sedgley, which saw people run to help and open their doors to look after staff.

He said: "Obviously this isn't something we would have wanted to happen and so soon after we have become established in Sedgley but it could have been worse had it not been for the swift action of firefighters and my staff who followed the drill and evacuated quickly and correctly.

"I'd like to thank the fire crews who kept us informed throughout the process on what they were doing, what we should do and gave advice going forward.

"The staff of the Red Lion also helped out by looking after us and members of the public and it was a real community spirit which we have seen evidence of in the short time we have been in Sedgley and even before an event like this has happened.

"The fire was contained to the kitchen so obviously there will be a period of cleaning up and getting ready to open again but we hope and think that will be for the next event here which is on March 20 a soul and Motown night."

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire said they sent four crews to the blaze and were there until around midnight making the area safe.

A crew re-visited the site this morning (Friday).