Arson attack ravages reclamation yard

A cherry picker and a storage unit were destroyed in the blaze at ADS Demolition in Halesowen.

Owner Steve Davis estimates that more than £8,000 of damage has been caused.

He received a call from the security company which monitors the site alerting him to the blaze. He said he was shocked by what had happened and the extent of the damage it had caused at the site, which is at the back of Park Lane.

Mr Davis, who has owned the business for 18 months, said the contents of the storage unit had been destroyed by the flames. Inside were tools including a concrete floor saw as well as ladders and reclaimed items such as doors, worth thousands of pounds.

He said the cherry picker alone would cost around £3,000 to replace. "They started two fires. They set the cherry picker alight and the storage unit," he added.

"It's caused a lot of damage and lot of the items are ruined. I haven't seen all the damage as I haven't wanted to go back there as I am still upset. There is no reason for it. It's just malicious. It's a horrible thing to happen, especially at Christmas."

Police spokesman Lee Page said officers at Brierley Hill police station were investigating the blaze. He added: "We were called by the fire service at 9pm on Boxing Day. It is being treated as arson.

"We do not have much to go on as there are no witnesses or CCTV. There are no forensics opportunities either."

Witnesses or anyone with information about the fire are asked to call police on 101.