West Midlands Police have confirmed that a fire which broke out at a Grade II listed pub in Oldbury in the early hours of Friday, August 21, is believed to have been started deliberately. The blaze at The Junction Inn on Birmingham Street affected the ground and first floor of the building, and no injuries were reported.
Emergency crews were called to the scene shortly before 4am. Four fire engines attended, crewed by firefighters from Oldbury, Smethwick, West Bromwich, and Tipton fire stations, according to a spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service.
Investigation underway after fire at historic pub
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told BlackCountryLive: "We are investigating a fire which started at a premises on Birmingham Street, Oldbury, at around 4am today (21 August). West Midlands Fire Service extinguished the fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately."
The police spokesperson added: "Thankfully, no-one was injured, and we are working with fire service investigators to establish the cause. Anyone with information should call us on 101 or speak to us via Live Chat on our website quoting crime reference 20/370931/26."
Firefighters battle blaze in void building
The pub, which dates back to the 1800s, was described by West Midlands Fire Service as a "void building" at the time of the incident. Eight firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels to extinguish the fire, which had impacted both the ground and first floor.
After the fire was brought under control, crews used portable fans to ventilate the building and checked neighbouring properties for any signs of fire spread. The last fire crew left the scene just before 8am.
Police review CCTV as investigation continues
West Midlands Police were in attendance at the scene and will be reviewing CCTV footage as part of their investigation into the deliberate fire. The force is working alongside fire service investigators to determine the exact cause.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact West Midlands Police on 101 or via Live Chat on their website, quoting crime reference 20/370931/26.
