A severe fire ripped through a recycling plant in the Black Country today, forcing up to 80 residents to be evacuated from their homes and causing chaos on the roads.

The blaze broke out at 4am at AWM Recycling Ltd in Western Way, Moxley, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

Up to 40 firefighters rushed to the scene on the Newman Industrial Estate, which had to be cordoned off due to a large quantity of asbestos at the site.

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Families living in nearby Dangerfield Lane and Unity Close were among those that had to be taken to Darlaston Police Station for their safety, and nearby businesses were closed.

Some people went to stay with relatives while crews battled to contain the blaze. This morning several families were at Rough Hayes Community Centre and were not expected to be allowed back in their homes for hours.

A number of people, including around five police officers, had to be taken to Walsall Manor Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The A41 Black Country New Road was closed in both directions between Moxley Road Island and Holyhead Road island, causing long queues along the A463 Darlaston Road and Woden Road West.

Bull Lane was also shut from Charnwood Close to the Black Country New Road.

Police today said the cause of the fire was still unknown.

Sarah Warnes, station commander from Ladywood and Aston fire stations, helped head up the operation.

She said: “Around 40 firefighters have been tackling the blaze with 15 fire trucks and a hydraulic platform being used.

“The big issue really is the asbestos so that is our main concern at the moment. The alarm was raised by a member of the public and also by nearby residents just before 4am.

“From the start our priority has been to get residents evacuated where necessary while containing the fire. We don’t know at this stage how it started.

“The fire is now under control and we will be looking at bringing down the number of firefighters we have out here.

“As long as the smoke is still going we will have to keep the residents away and the same will apply to the other workers on the industrial estate.

“Obviously we are keen to get everyone back as soon as possible. The most important thing is that everyone is safe.”