60 firefighters battle Tipton factory blaze

Crews were called to the site in Horseley Road, Horseley Heath, Tipton at just after 11pm on Saturday night as flames and smoke billowed into the air.

Fire crews were expected to remain at the site of a blaze in Tipton for a further two days fire chiefs said today. Police have confirmed they are treated the fire as arson and investigations are ongoing.

Crews were called to the unit at just after 11pm on Saturday night. Around 40 per cent of the unit was damaged and the roof partially collapsed.

Tipton watch commander Sean Stewart said: "We worked through the night just trying to get out to the areas that we could in the darkness and the idea today is to get the mechanical diggers in there to try and remove everything that is int-ernal, break it up and damp it down and make the building as safe as possible."'

One fire engine and an hydraulic platform remain at the scene. At the height of the blaze, flames and smoke billowed out of the site and residents were advised to keep their windows closed.

At its peak 10 crews were sent to the scene as well as an hydraulic platform.

The empty unit has been used to store bales of compressed recycled material, plastic, paper and textiles. It is not known who owns the site. Crews from across the region, including firefighters from West Bromwich, Wednesbury, Oldbury, Dudley and Bilston attended.

Nearby resident Bhupinder Singh witnessed the fire at its height and took photographs from his home.

The 26-year-old said: "Around 11pm I heard a loud noise, when I looked out of my window I could see the factory on fire. The fire brigade were on the scene and already dealing with the fire".

West Midlands Police were also called to the scene on Saturday night and are investigating.