A factory in Tipton has been partially destroyed in a huge fire which sent plumes of smoke billowing into the skyline.

Investigations were today being held into the cause of the blaze, which broke out at 8.45 last night at the site off Bloomfield Road.

The single-storey factory annexe was used to hold wooden pallets which took up 50 per cent of the building.

The fire at the annexe, which measures 50m by 10m, was attended by four crews from Tipton, West Bromwich, Dudley and Bilston.

Asbestos sheeting was found in the roof and West Midlands Fire Service say the outbreak was brought under control by 10am.

It is not yet known if the fire was deliberate.

Today the site, on an industrial estate, was deserted and there was a large hole in the roof. 

Bosses of the yard were this morning unavailable for comment.

Fire investigators and police are trying to establish the cause of the blaze.