The landmark building, known as Britain's 'wonkiest' pub with its sloping walls and floor, was gutted by a suspected arson attack earlier this month.

But after machinery from a specialist demolition and waste management firm was moved to the scene, campaigners began to take direct action.

A sit-down protest was held on the lane leading to the now-demolished building, with some campaigners attempting to witness the work taking place.

Workers at the site in Himley - which is near Dudley in the West Midlands - told reporters they were beginning to "clean" and store bricks, and assess whether the rubble contains asbestos.

South Staffordshire Council has confirmed it is engaging with the site's owners to determine the nature of the works taking place.

One of those who turned up to protest, Jane Baker, said: "We're doing this, and all the people who have arrived today, because we care very much about our heritage, our history and the Crooked House.

"She's always stood there at the bottom of this lane. She means a lot to us all. What's happened is wrong and we need to make a stand, all of us."

'We just want it rebuilt'

The 59-year-old added: "We just want her back where she was. It's affected all of us, far and wide. We just want it rebuilt - by hook or by crook."

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Staffordshire Police attended the protest "as a precaution and to reassure the community".

The force said: "We recognise the strength of local feeling following the loss of a significant cultural landmark.

"Our investigation is live and ongoing. A CCTV trawl, forensics and witness accounts continue to be worked through as we try to piece together the circumstances which led to the fire."