A FIRE which ravaged an art-deco former cinema and bingo hall is believed to have been started deliberately. 

More than 50 firefighters were called to the suspected arson attack at the Victoria Suite on Windmill Lane in Smethwick at 1.34pm on Sunday (May 5).

Smoke could be seen from miles around as the fire took hold. 

Police closed roads including Windmill Lane, Cranford Street, London Street and Grove Lane, and shops were closed around the area as 12 fire crews worked throughout the night to put out the fire, which saw the roof of the building collapse.

Halesowen News: Plumes of smoke could be seen from miles around Plumes of smoke could be seen from miles around (Image: West Midlands Police)

The adjacent Windmill Shopping Park/Centre closed early on Sunday due to clouds of black smoke in the area.

The fire was out by Monday morning, with two crews remaining at the scene to dampen down hotspots around the building, while roads and neighbouring properties were reopened.

It was confirmed today (Tuesday May 7) that the fire was believed to have been started deliberately.

A spokesman for West Midlands 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.

"Several small hotspots were identified and extinguished during a revisit to the incident on Sunday afternoon.

"On Sunday evening, a thorough search of the building was conducted using thermal imaging cameras and gas monitors. No further hotspots were identified.

"This incident is now closed."

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "A fire at a premises in Windmill Lane, Smethwick, on Sunday afternoon is now being treated as arson.

"Anyone with information can contact us via live chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote 20/460883/24."