Murder investigation launched after fire

Firefighters were called to Holyhead Road, Wednesbury, in the early hours of Sunday 11 May

A murder investigation has been launched after an 82-year-old man died following a house fire in Wednesbury.

Police were called to the scene on Holyhead Road in the early hours of 11 May, where four people were left seriously injured, including John Edwards who died in hospital on Sunday.

West Midlands Police had previously charged Andrew Gorrell, 53, from Saltney in Chester, with arson and three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The force said it was working with the Crown Prosecution Service to review the charges against him following Mr Edwards' death.

During an appearance at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court, Mr Gorrell was remanded into custody.

Police have appealed for information over the events of earlier this month

Addressing Mr Edwards' death, a spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "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."

According to the force, the three other people hurt in the fire remain in a critical but stable condition.

West Midlands Police is continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information about the fire to contact them, and 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.

Patients with serious injuries were taken to hospital after the blaze