The cause of the fire that destroyed the former cinema has been revealed

More than 50 firefighters were called to the Victoria Suite on Windmill Lane in Smethwick at 1.34pm on Sunday after witnesses reported smoke coming from the four-storey Art Deco building.

The ensuing fire caused a number of road and shop closures in the area as 12 fire crews worked through the night to extinguish the blaze at the disused cinema and bingo hall.

West Midlands Police closed several roads to traffic, including Windmill Lane, Cranford Street, London Street and Grove Lane, while the adjacent Windmill Shopping Park/Centre was closed early on Sunday due to smoke in the area, with thick clouds of black smoke visible from a mile away.

By Monday morning, the fire was confirmed as extinguished, with two crews remaining at the scene to dampen hot spots around the building, which saw the roof collapse during the day on Sunday, while all roads and neighboring properties were reopened.

It was confirmed today that the incident had been officially closed by West Midlands Fire Service, who also said the fire was believed to have been started deliberately.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: “This incident has been brought to a safe conclusion. All roads and nearby shops have reopened.

“Our teams will continue to visit the scene in the coming days to monitor hot spots.

“The fire, which destroyed an abandoned cinema, is believed to have been started deliberately.

“Several small hot spots were identified and extinguished during a review of the incident on Sunday afternoon.

“On Sunday evening, a thorough search of the building was carried out using thermal cameras and gas monitors. No other hotspots were identified.

“This incident is now closed.”

West Midlands Police have been contacted for comment.