Black Country New Road shut after minibus torched in blaze
A minibus was deliberately set on fire forcing the closure of a busy road in the Black Country.
Black Country New Road was shut in Wednesbury after the minibus was engulfed by flames.
Police are investigating after the blaze started at around 9.30pm with acrid black smoke billowing across lanes of the road.
The minibus had caught fire under an elevated section of the road.
Five firefighters from Bilston station attended and worked to extinguish the flames.
Crews had extinguished the fire by around 10.30pm.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: "The road was temporarily closed while crews dealt with the blaze due to reduced visibility.
"It is believed the fire was started deliberately."
A West Midlands Police spokesman: "Police were called to reports of a minibus on fire at 10pm last night on the Black Country New Road in Wednesbury.
"The incident is being treating as arson and enquires remain ongoing.
"Anyone with information can contact us via live chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am to midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quoting log number 2508 of 23/10."
