Fire which destroyed trouble-hit former Wolverhampton pub suspected to be arson
A a blaze which destroyed a former trouble-hit pub is being treated as arson.
Flames tore through the old Talisman pub on the Scotlands estate in Wolverhampton on Friday. Residents said the fire was the result of the second arson attack there in two days, and police believe it was started deliberately.
The pub, off Underhill Lane, was shut down in 2018 following a police drugs raid. Officers said the pub was "at the heart of an organised drugs ring".
Four fire engines were sent to the scene to tackle the blaze on Friday, which left the pub with serious damage to its roof and inside.
Grandfather Ronald Wheeler said it had been a "nightmare" living near the derelict pub because of nuisance youths causing trouble.
Mr Wheeler, 78, who lives at a bungalow nearby with his disabled wife Elaine, 72, said antisocial behaviour was taking place on an almost daily basis and that yobs had thrown tiles from the pub at his windows.
He said: "It's driving us mad. They're climbing up on there, taking the tiles off and throwing them at our windows. We had the front windows smashed with a golf ball. Other residents have had their windows smashed.
"There have been several small fires. We've had the police down but it's just becoming a nightmare. It's been more trouble since it was closed than when it was open. It's just becoming unbearable."
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "We are investigating a suspected arson attack after being called to a fire at the former Talisman pub in Wildtree Avenue, Wolverhampton, at about 6pm on Friday.
"No-one was reported injured and our inquiries continue.
"Anyone with information can contact us via live chat at west-midlands.police.uk, call 101, or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting crime number 20/362272/21."
Alternatively, visit Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
