Two arrested in Crooked House pub fire investigation

Two men have been arrested as part of an investigation into a fire that destroyed the historic Crooked House pub in Staffordshire.

The Crooked House in Himley, Dudley, was gutted by a fire on the evening of Saturday 5 August, just two weeks after it was sold by pub group Marston's to a developer.

Staffordshire Police said a 66-year-old man, from Dudley, and a 33-year-old man, from Milton Keynes, have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

They remain in custody today (24 August) and are being questioned by officers while the investigation continues.

Earlier this month South Staffordshire Council said it was consulting with its legal team after the building, known as "Britain's wonkiest pub" was apparently demolished without permission, two days after the fire.

The Crooked House was built in the 18th century and became a tourist attraction after mining in the area caused the building to partially sink, allowing visitors to roll coins and marbles uphill along the bar.