A FIRE broke out at derelict pub in Lower Gornal on June 4, which is being treated as arson by police. 

The Fiddlers Arms on Straits Road was set alight on Friday night with fire crews from Dudley, Brierley Hill and Tipton battling the blaze.

West Midlands Fire Service were called at 7:25pm and used two hose reels to put out the fire.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said "We were called to a severe fire at a void public house.

"It was a two storey building with a basement.

"The fire involved the first floor.

"Fire caused 30 percent damage to the building.

"West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service were also in attendance."

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We were called following a fire at a derelict pub in Strait Road, Lower Gornal, just before 8pm yesterday (4 June).

"The fire is being treated as arson and anyone with information can contact us via live chat or by calling 101. Quote 20/638914/21."

MP for Dudley North, Marco Longhi said: "I am very disappointed to hear arsonists have targeted the much-loved Fiddlers Arms building.  I have been liaising with the Council to try and get the building secured since early May.

"As progress had not been made by the owner to secure the building, I raised the issue with the Chief Executive last Wednesday as well as the regeneration team on Friday, with the aim of getting a Section 215 notice placed on the building.

"I will visit the site with the Dudley Council’s regeneration team to see what options are available."

Recently plans were put forward to demolish the pub and build 12 homes on the site.

But, the developer withdrew the application after Dudley council's Historic Environment team recommended it be refused saying more effort should be made to save the pub building.