Petrol bomb attack on depot

A suspected petrol bomb attack caused around £1million damage at a Black Country transport yard – leaving seven drivers out of work today.

At its peak, 30 firefighters tackled the blaze at the Chris Bowen transport yard in Wednesbury as it ripped through the site leaving six burned-out articulated lorries, eight cars and a van in its wake. Firefighters also had to contend with explosions as tyres and diesel caught fire.

Acrid black smoke could be seen billowing out of the Potters Lane yard. It took five crews from West Bromwich, Wednesbury, Walsall and Handsworth, around three hours to get the fire under control on Saturday night.

Chris Bowen, who started his business 12 years ago, was near to tears when he assessed the damage. He has studied CCTV footage and passed it on to police. He said it shows someone smashing windows and throwing petrol bombs into the vehicles.

Five of the six lorries, of which three were loaded with goods, are owned by Mr Bowen who estimates them to be worth around £700,000 alone. The cars and van damage will bring the total bill to around £1 million.

He said that while the vehicles were being replaced some of his drivers would be out of work.