Road shuts as big blaze rips through Sedgley house

Crews from Dudley, Tipton and Bilston were called to the empty four-bedroom property along Tipton Road, Sedgley, yesterday afternoon following a suspected arson attack.

Part of Tipton Road had to be closed for more than three hours as firefighters tackled the blaze, which started around 1.30pm.

Owner of the house Michael Webb said he had received a phone call telling him to come to the property as flames had engulfed the roof.

He purchased the house, which has been empty for around 14 years, two months ago and plans to knock it down and build a bungalow in its place.

The 65-year-old, of Sedgley, said: "I bought it a short time ago and it is scheduled for demolition at the end of the month. There is a lot of land behind the house and I am building a dormer bungalow on the site for my son.

"It was a shock when I got the call saying the house was on fire. The property was already too far gone to do anything with it unfortunately," said Mr Webb, who did not live in the property.

Resident Michael Connolly said he and another neighbour had been outside talking when a car had stopped along the road.

"The driver pointed and said the house was on fire. When we realised what was happening the fire brigade were called and arrived in a matter of minutes," he said.

"The house has been empty for a very long time and has become an eyesore. I think everyone around here is glad it is being demolished."

Firefighters arrived to find part of the roof was already engulfed in flames. They used two water jets at the front of the house and one at the rear to bring the blaze under control.

Crews were able to prevent the flames spreading to neighbouring properties.

Tipton Road was closed between the junctions of High Arcal Drive and Marlborough Road for more than three hours as a hydraulic platform was set up in the middle of the road.

West Midlands Fire Service today said the fire was believed to have been started deliberately.

Crew Commander Paul Clark, of Dudley Fire Station, said: "The fire broke out on the third floor and the flames had engulfed the rafters when we arrived."

No one had to be evacuated from any of properties in the street.