Police appeal for information following Crooked House blaze

Credit: The Crooked House

Detectives investigating the fire at The Crooked House are continuing to appeal for information, after releasing two men under conditional police bail.

A 66-year-old man from Dudley and a 33-year-old man from Milton Keynes were arrested and questioned on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life on August 24.

Staffordshire Police said: “We understand the strength of feeling in the community following the fire and later demolition of the building, given the significance and popularity of this cultural landmark.

“Detectives are continuing to trawl through CCTV, forensics and witness accounts and are keen to hear from anyone with any information – no matter how insignificant it may seem.

“There continues to be widespread speculation circulating locally and online in relation to this incident, which we understand. We would like to reiterate that speculation is unhelpful at this time and we are working hard to provide timely updates”.

“Britain’s wonkiest” pub was set alight on 5 August and its demolition two days after the blaze by new owners prompted criticism across the nation, as an investigation into the cause of the fire was ongoing.

The pub, which was originally built in 1765, was sold by Marstons to a “private buyer for alternative use” and was “unlikely to open its doors again”.