Fire at old cinema in Smethwick may have been started deliberately

West Midlands Fire Service - say the blaze on Sunday is now being treated as suspected arson.

Smoke was seen billowing above the area, around Walkmill Lane, after the fire began on Sunday afternoon (5 May).

More than 50 firefighters were called out at around 1.30pm, after reports of the fire at the Art Deco building, once a cinema and bingo hall.

West Midlands Fire Service said ten crews used two hydraulic aerial platforms to get the fire under control. A high-volume pump was also used, taking water from the nearby Cape Arm of the Birmingham Canal.

In their latest update on Monday afternoon - the Fire Service said "This incident has been brought to a safe conclusion. All roads and neighbouring premises have reopened.

Our crews will continue to visit the scene over the next few days to monitor for hotspots.

The fire, which has destroyed a derelict cinema, is believed to have been started deliberately.

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