Factories destroyed in blaze

Two factories were gutted and another damaged when arsonists struck at a Black Country industrial estate today.

Thirty firefighters from six stations tackled a severe blaze at Wallows Industrial Estate in Fens Pool Avenue, Brierley Hill after crews were called to reports of vans on fire at 4.40am.

When they arrived they found the fire had spread from three burnt out vans to two nearby factories storing biofuels and a vacant unit.

Flames were leaping 30ft into the air as crews used water and foam to bring the fire under control.

Due to the severity of the blaze there were fears the factories, which are part of the same building, were unsafe.

Firefighters were withdrawn from the building and a hydraulic platform was called in from Oldbury so they could shoot water down onto the fire.

Crews brought the blaze under control within the hour but were due to remain at the scene for much of the day dampening down.

A structural engineer was due to visit the site to examine the brick building, which has sheet metal roofing.

Group commander Nigel Sowden said: "We believe this to be arson."