AN urgent probe has been launched into "Britain's wonkiest pub" after the boozer burned down in a horror blaze.
The Crooked House, in Himley, Staffordshire, went up in flames on Saturday night just weeks after it was sold to a private buyer for "alternative use".
Mystery surrounds the burning of the building after intruders were reportedly seen before the horror and firefighters were blocked from putting out the inferno.
And less than 36 hours after it was engulfed, the 18th century pub was flattened by mechanical diggers on Monday.
The local authority have since condemned the demolition admitting they did not give permission for it to be knocked down.
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Leader of South Staffordshire Council, Councillor Roger Lees, today said they agreed to remove part of the building to ensure its safety - but nothing else.
A statement read: "Our officers carried out a site visit to the site yesterday, prior to the demolition of the building.
"Officers agreed a programme of works with the landowner's representative to ensure the safety of the building and the wider site.
"The agreed course of action included the removal of three elements of the first-floor front elevation only.
"This was only to avoid the weak parts of the structure from falling.
"At no point did the council agree the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed necessary."
The council are now investigating "potential breaches of both the Town and Country Planning Act and the Buildings Act".
They are working with statutory bodies including Historic England, cops and fire services to help understand the cause of the fire and the unauthorised squashing of the site.
Cllr Lees added: "As soon as we were made aware of the breaches during the demolition, we notified the Health and Safety Executive.
"Our own investigation is in its early stages and whilst it continues at pace, we as ask for time to consider the facts thoroughly to ensure any future actions are meaningful and proportionate.
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"The council is incredibly saddened by the loss of the building which, whilst not listed, was a heritage asset and important landmark to the local area and community.
"Over recent months, the council had been in conversation with the relevant national bodies regarding how best to protect and preserve this important heritage asset."
It comes after it was revealed the pub, where coins and marbles famously rolled uphill along the bar, was put forward for listed status protection just days before it became rubble.
It would have meant that the owners would have needed permission from the council to fully demolish it before doing so.
On the night of the horror, one local said that intruders had been seen inside the closed pub and seemed to be partying and playing music moments before the inferno, according to the Telegraph.
But cops said no one was inside the building when it went up in flames.
The force are still working to "establish the cause" of the fire.
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson previously said: "Officers were called to a report of a fire at what used to be the Crooked House pub on Himley Road at 10:45pm last night.
"Crews from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were already in attendance and had extinguished the blaze.
"No one was believed to be inside the building and no one has been reported injured.
"We are now working with fire investigators to establish the cause of the fire.
"Fire investigators are inspecting the scene this morning and officers are making local enquiries to secure any information that might help the investigation.
"Anyone who may have any information that could help with the investigation are asked to get in touch."
