Flames tear through scrap cars in blaze

More than 30 scrap cars and vans were set alight in a suspected arson attack at a Brierley Hill yard.

Crews from Brierley Hill, Dudley and Cradley Heath fought the blaze at Blackbrook Metals Recycling.

They were called to the Pedmore Road site, which recycles used cars, just after 2am yesterday.

Flames tore through the pile of disused vehicles sending clouds of thick smoke into the air.

Three water jets were used to tackle the blaze but firefighters were hampered in their efforts because the pile of scrap was so deep.

The fire was eventually extinguished around 5.30am with some firefighters then leaving the scene.

But others remained on site until later in the morning to deal with small pockets of fire inside vehicles near the bottom of the pile.

Fire crews said the matter was being treated as arson and police were also investigating the cause.

Officers said the blaze had not spread to any other parts of the site.

Owners of the site today said they were still counting the cost of the fire.

Spokesman Abdul Ghasoor said: "It is not the first time arsonists have started a fire at the site.

"We have put up extra fencing but they still get through. Obviously this fire will have cost the firm but we do not know how much at the moment."