Dudley fire 'being treated as arson' police confirm as investigation launches

Emergency services rushed to the scene of Wellington Road, Dudley, at around 9.30pm on Sunday to reports of a disused building on the road being on fire. 

On arrival, fire crews discovered the building well alight, with pictures from the scene showing the roof of the building being engulfed in flames. 

Now, West Midlands Police have confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the incident, with investigators saying that the incident is being treated as 'arson'.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We were called by fire service colleagues to a fire in a derelict building on Wellington Road just after 9pm last night (Sunday 25 May).

"The fire is being treated as arson and our investigation is at an early stage."

Residents of the nearby tower blocks posted pictures of the blaze on social media, with some leaving comments. 

Stewart Gilbert posted on Facebook: "Once again, old care home on Wellington road. Avoid the road. 

Dudley resident Gaz Hall commented: "Can't be much left of it by now. Already smashed to bits and been on fire at least once a few months ago. Looking in a sorry state, pass it every day at work. I'm surprised it ain't been demolished."

The building was previously Summerfield Care Home, which closed down in 2012 after the Care Quality Commission found elderly residents living in worrying conditions which flouted health and safety regulations.   

In March 2017 a planning application to turn the building into a giant HMO was turned down by Dudley Council.

Anyone with information about the blaze is asked to contact West Midlands Police via their 101 number, or alternatively on the Live Chat service on their website.