Firefighters were called to the vacant and derelict The Cock Inn at just after 6pm to reports of fire in the first floor of the building.
Crews from Northfield and Kings Norton tackled the blaze and a hydraulic platform was used to access the roof.
Northfield Station Commander Lee Baker tweeted that empty buildings pose a risk of anti-social behaviour and arson, which presents dangers for the public and firefighters.
Void/derelict buildings r vulnerable 2 ASB&Arson.They are dangerous for Public & Fire-fighters.Please Star out or report trespass @B31Voices https://t.co/V0Xo0MkwuC
— Lee Baker (@Lee_BakerFRS) 10 October 2017
Neither West Midlands Fire Service or West Midlands Police have yet confirmed if the fire is being treated as suspected arson.
However, if you do have any information on what may have started the fire, please call West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
The Cock Inn – Past & Present
Built in 1811, The Cock Inn has been heavily vandalised after being vacant for around three years.
It is said that the RAF were billeted at The Cock Inn during WWII and operated barrage balloons at Rubery Quarry, to protect the factories in Longbridge.
Last year, Malvern Estates PLC, alongside Unique Pub Properties PLC, were refused permission to develop the former coaching inn site as part of a 12 property housing development.
Developers resubmitted plans in January this year to address the council’s initial concerns regarding access onto the development and the fact that trees under a Tree Preservation Order would be affected.
However, developers withdrew this application before it went before a planning committee and are expected to submit an application for an alternative site use in the near future.
More if we get it…