Magnet warehouse hit by blaze

A fire ripped through a kitchen warehouse in the Black Country today, destroying thousands of pounds of stock.

Fifty-five firefighters battled the blaze at Magnet Trade in Wolverhampton, wrecking the vast majority of its kitchens.

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The warehouse supplies kitchens to traders to be fitted in homes and businesses across the conuntry.

The roof of the building, in Shaw Road, Bushbury, was destroyed in the blaze which started at 12.27am today.

Today fire investigation teams were combing the scene for clues and are treating the fire as suspicious.

The kitchen supply warehouse was recently refurbished and a new showroom installed. Six staff work there.

It was today closed and firefighters said major structural work would be needed before it can reopen.

At its height, 11 fire engines from across the West Midlands were drafted in.

Twelve firefighters forced their way into the building to check nobody was trapped inside.

Mark Richards, manager at Magnet in Greyfriars Place, Stafford, said: "I know a few of the lads who work there and they have been on the phone to me this morning.

"It hasn't really affected our deliveries as we get ours from Darlington.

"My concern would be that customers may go elsewhere to one of our competitors but we are only about 15 minutes from Wolverhampton so they can come here."

West Midlands Fire Service spokesman Jeremy Sharpe said: "Firefighters are still on the scene this morning dampening down.

"Fire investigation teams are investigating the cause of the blaze."

Neighbouring business building supplies firm FHM, was partially sealed off but was open as usual today.