Work goes on to make Tipton factory safe after arson attack
Firefighters were today still damping down tons of recycled rubbish after a blaze started by arsonists gutted a derelict factory unit in the Black Country.
Work on breaking down more than 100 one-ton compacted bales was continuing at the site in Horseley Road, Horseley Heath, Tipton, as firefighters continued to make the area safe and check for 'hot spots'.
The unit was full of the circular compressed and shredded bales of recycled material, paper, bits of plastic and textiles.
Crews have since worked night and day to break apart the bales and damp them down.
Around 60 firefighters battled the blaze, which was started by arsonists at just after 11pm on Saturday. Around 40 per cent of the unit was damaged and the roof partially collapsed.
At the height of the inferno, flames and smoke billowed out of the site and residents were advised to keep their windows closed.
A fire service spokesman said crews had used mechanical diggers to remove the bales.
Police are investigating and now bosses at the Environment Agency are appealing for help in tracking down the people responsible for leaving the bales at the unit. An Environment
Agency spokesman said: "We're looking into how the shredded bales of recycling material ended up on site. We are appealing for information about who operates the site, or about any vehicles seen entering or leaving the area."
Anyone with information should email intelligence.midlands@environment-agency.gov.uk or call 0800 807060.
