Arson attack shock at firm

A fire tore through a Black Country factory after it was set alight by arsonists, wrecking thousands of pounds worth of stock.

Flames spread through Dunpark Civils & Lintels, Coseley, after pallets being stored in its yard were deliberately set on fire at around 7.30pm.

Bosses at the Anchor Lane-based company, which manufactures building materials for contractors, said last night's blaze had caused around £10,000 of damage. Branch manager Craig Hancock, said the damage was "deeply frustrating" as some of the stock would have been sent out to customers today.

He said: "It was a deliberate fire, somebody intended it."

It is believed something was set alight and thrown into the factory yard. Jonny Pearson, watch commander at Bilston fire station, said: "It was arson. Somebody set fire to some pallets or plastic items and it spread. You get a lot of black toxic smoke when plastic burns."