£1m blaze started by scrapyard arsonists

Damage of around £1 million was caused when arsonists struck at a metal scrapyard in the Black Country - days after a similar attack at its sister factory in Darlaston.

European Metal Recycling in Downing Street, Smethwick, was engulfed in flames last night, almost a week on from a blaze at the plant in Bentley Road South.

West Midlands Police today confirmed they were looking at links between the two fires. It is also believed £1m of damage was caused at last Wednesday's fire.

Nearby rail lines were closed as firefighters tackled the flames in Smethwick last night. More than 20 firefighters were called to the scene at 10.40pm.

Oldbury fire station crew commander Richard Jones said at least 40 nearby residents had reported the fire after spotting large plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky.

A train driver also reported the fire to Network Rail. Firefighters feared an explosion due to a number of cylinders and hydraulic oil stored on the site.

Network Rail bosses closed the track as a precaution, delaying eight trains, operated by East Midlands Trains, Chiltern Trains and Cross Country Trains.

Police spokeswoman Pav Shergill said: "We are also investigating a similar attack at one of the companies other sites."