By Deborah Hardiman

Copyright expressandstar

A man in his 50s died at the premises, and seven others were treated following the incident at Timmy’s takeaway in Creswell Crescent, Mossley, Bloxwich on September 26 that resulted in emergency services rushing to the area.

The matter has since been reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which is responsible for investigations involving workplaces and industry incidents. The agency and West Midlands Police are running a joint investigation into the circumstances.

A HSE spokesperson said: “We have attended site and are working with other agencies to determine next steps.”

Stunned residents said the branch had not yet opened to the public and the unit had been empty for about two years while signs on the windows stated the business had been recruiting staff at the time.

Some residents were also evacuated for several hours while the scene was made safe.

It is unclear whether the enterprise was an independent business or linked to a national franchise with the same name.

The community has been rocked by a series of incidents in recent months including a house blaze and anti-social behaviour.