Arsonists strike at old factory

A derelict factory went up in flames after an arson attack in the Black Country.

It took 40 firefighters four hours to get the blaze at the former Legge Lock Company in Gower Street, Willenhall, under control after it broke out at about 9.45pm.

The factory has been vacant for about seven years, and rubbish inside the building fuelled the flames.

Watch commander at Willenhall fire station, Tony Jackson, said the blaze was under control by about 2am.

But crews stayed at the scene through the night to damp down. He said: "It was well ablaze when we got there. There were big open manhole pits in the floor which we had to avoid."

He said there were reports that a homeless man was sleeping in the building, but no one was found.

Police say the fire is being treated as suspicious. Gower Street remained closed today. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0345 113 5000.