Fire destroys Dudley's iconic Crooked House pub days after it was sold

Firefighters have been working through the night to try and put out a blaze that has destroyed Dudley’s famous ‘Crooked House’ pub.

Fire crews were alerted of the blaze on Himley Road at 10pm last night (Saturday 5 August) as thick flames and smoke could be seen from miles away.

The B4176 Himley Road at Gornal Wood was closed in both directions from 2.15am and remains closed as motorists are diverted away from the scene. 

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said six crews from both Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Service have been tackling the blaze since around 10pm last night.

The fire comes days after it emerged Marston's had sold The Crooked House Marston's to a 'private buyer for alternative use'.

Dating back to 1765, it started sinking into the ground due to mining subsidence in the area and became known as 'the wonky pub' across the West Midlands and beyond.

Staffordshire police are appealing for information as they work with fire investigators to establish the cause of the fire.

Fire investigators are inspecting the scene this morning and officers are making local enquiries to secure any information that might help the investigation.