Two men arrested after a fire at the Crooked House pub in the West Midlands have been released on bail, with detectives continuing to appeal for information.
A 66-year-old man from Dudley and a 33-year-old man from Milton Keynes were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life on Thursday.
They were questioned in custody by officers investigating the blaze at Britain’s wonkiest pub on 5 August.
Both men were released under conditional police bail on Friday as the Staffordshire police investigation continued.
The burnt-out shell of the 18th-century building in Himley, famed for the crooked walls and floors it developed due to mining-related subsidence, was demolished without permission within 48 hours of the fire.
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.”
The fire, near Dudley, which required 30 firefighters to put out, happened two weeks after the pub was sold to a private buyer.
The building, which dates back to 1765, was put on the market by the brewery Marston’s in January.
