A FIRE which ripped through a derelict pub in Rubery last night is being treated as arson.
The blaze broke out around 6pm at the Cock Inn, Cock Hill Lane.
Three fire crews were sent to the scene – one engine from Northfield, the Brigade Response vehicle from there and an engine from Kings Norton.
The firefighters battled the blaze, which totally destroyed the building’s roof space, for three hours.
At its height four water jets were used, along with a hydraulic platform so crews could get above the flames to douse them.
Firefighters also returned to the site at 7am this morning to ensure there were no ‘hot spots’ which could have led to it flaring up again.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said: “We suspect it is arson and have now passed it onto the police to investigate.”
Witnesses or anyone with any information should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
