Probe after flames rip through factory

These are the charred remains of a Midlands factory unit which went up in flames.

Residents living near the scene of the fire at the glass fibre component firm on the Hoo Brook Industrial estate in Kidderminster reported seeing thick plumes of smoke at around 1.45pm yesterday.

More than 20 emergency calls were made to Hereford and Worcester Fire Service to report the incident and the nearby busy Worcester Road was cordoned off while firefighters tackled the blaze, leading to hold-ups for drivers.

The cause of the fire is now under investigation and crews were back out at the scene carrying out an inspection of the site. A cordon of around 230ft was set up while firefighters were tackling the blaze.