Wolverhampton Strykers arson probe fails to find answers
The cause of a devastating blaze that destroyed a landmark bowling alley may never be known as police revealed they had exhausted all lines of inquiry without finding answers.
The investigation into the fire at Strykers bowling alley in Wolverhampton has now effectively come to an end.
West Midlands Police launched the inquiry following the blaze at the site, in Shaw Road, Bushbury, on December 22 last year.
At its height, around 100 firefighters from across the Black Country and Birmingham battled the fire with up to 14 fire engines called to the scene.
Plumes of smoke billowed into the sky and flames towered above the building resulting in road closures around the scene.
See also: Inferno at the bowling alley as Strykers is destroyed
The shell of Strykers - probe begins on bowling alley blaze
It was quickly established the fire at the entertainment venue, which was so intense that it caused the roof to collapse, was deliberately started at the entertainment venue.
On Christmas Eve officers announced that they were investigating the blaze as arson.
But despite numerous appeals by police, officers said they have not been able to discover who started the blaze.
Lee Page Spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "All current lines of inquiry have been exhausted, however detectives continue to appeal for information."
Strykers closed its doors in October last year and was put on the market for £2 million. It closed amid rumours that it owed customers deposits for functions they had booked.
It was targeted by metal thieves weeks later.
In January, what remained of the land, was bulldozed over safety fears and it now remains a derelict patch of land.
Owner Sam Samra of the bowling alley says he has not thought about the site for redevelopment and has refused to discuss plans for its future.
The fire was one of two arson attacks in the same week in the Bushbury area of the city.
Only days after Strykers was targeted the derelict Bushbury Arms on Showell Circus was torched when arsonists broke in through a back door.
Police say the fire are not linked.
"Anyone who can assist police should call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
