A blaze which tore through a historic Halesowen landmark, leaving it severely damaged, is believed to have been arson.

The fire at the derelict British Legion site on Bundle Hill broke out at around 2pm on Tuesday (July 1).

Five fire crews, including a hydraulic platform, arrived at the scene to find black smoke billowing from the iconic building, which was believed to be over 100 years old.

Jamie Macrow, who lives next door to the Legion site, said he had looked out of his window to see smoke pouring from the legion. He added: "It looked like a bomb had gone off".

Lyn Morris, whose Windsor Road home backs onto the site, arrived home from her job as assistant cook at Windsor High School to see plumes of smoke above her house.

She said: "At first I thought my house was on fire and went running towards it. Then we realised the smoke was coming from the Legion. It's a shame as it was a lovely old building."

Crews from Cradley Heath Fire Station were first on the scene, joined by crews from Brierley Hill, Stourbridge and the hydraulic platform from Oldbury.

They battled for over three hours to extinguish the blaze, while police arrived to close off the road to allow emergency vehicles easier access to the site.

However the former Legion club was left with severe damage. Firefighters estimated there had been between 60 and 70 per cent fire damage to the two storey building, which also suffered a partial collapse of the roof base. It is now likely to be demolished.

A fire service spokesperson confirmed the cause of the blaze was believed to be arson and had been referred to the police.

The building was used as a base for Halesowen Royal British Legion for more than 50 years, but closed its doors for the final time on New Year's Eve 2007 after the social club went into liquidation. It was thought the site would be sold for housing.

Earlier this year The Halesowen News reported how nearby residents were calling for extra security measures at the site, which they said had become plagued by vandals and underage drinkers.

Firefighters were called to an incident there in April after a rubbish blaze - allegedly started by youths - spread to surrounding bushes and trees.