Huge plumes of smoke as fire grips Wednesbury factory

West Midlands Fire Service said about 50 firefighters were tackling the blaze

A factory fire has sent huge plumes of smoke into the air which have been seen across Birmingham.

About 50 firefighters, 10 fire engines and one aerial platform were tackling the fire, which started in a single-storey unit on Patent Drive, Wednesbury, at midday on Tuesday.

Staff were evacuated from the site and everyone was accounted for, West Midlands Fire Service said.

Patent Drive remained closed to traffic.

The building has collapsed due to the fire, the brigade said.

People in the area were continuing to be advised to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution.

The building has suffered a full structural collapse due to the fire

One resident said on social media they heard an explosion from the factory while others described thick black smoke which they could see for miles.

The blaze that engulfed the factory was brought under control after about two hours and fire crews were checking for hotspots and isolated fires in the building.

Residents said on social media that black plumes of smoke can be seen for miles