Murder investigation launched following Wednesbury fire

We have launched a murder investigation after a man died in hospital following a house fire in Wednesbury.

We were called to the fire on Holyhead Road in the early hours of Sunday 11 May, where four people including 82-year-old John Edwards were left seriously injured.

Sadly, on Sunday 25 May, Mr Edwards died in hospital, and our thoughts are with his family following this tragic development. We are in close contact with them, and they are being supported by our specialist officers.

We have been thoroughly investigating the fire and had previously charged Andrew Gorrell with arson and three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The 53-year-old from Saltney, Chester, was remanded to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court where he was further remanded and remains in custody.

We are working with the Crown Prosecution Service to review the charges against him following this update.

The three other people hurt in the fire remain in a critical but stable condition.

We are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information about the fire to contact us, and we are especially keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of the evening of Saturday 10 May or the early hours of Sunday 11 May.

We have set up an online portal where you can leave any information you may have including videos and pictures.

You can also speak to us via 101, quoting log 504 of 11 May.