A THIRD person has been arrested in connection with the suspected arson at the Crooked House in Himley.

Staffordshire Police say a 51-year-old man from Buckingham has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

He has been released on conditional police bail, two men aged 66 and 33 are already on conditional bail after being arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "We would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with important information about this investigation and those who are continuing to engage positively with officers.

"We understand that speculation is still widespread, both locally and online. We’d like to reiterate that we are working hard to get through an extensive list of enquiries at this time."

The landmark Crooked House was destroyed by fire on August 5 and the shell of the building was bulldozed two days later.

A campaign has been launched to have the building rebuild after an outcry from people about the loss of the former pub.