Arsonists set fire to machinery at a recycling plant in the Black Country, causing a severe blaze that had to be tackled by more than 70 firefighters.

Two youths were caught on CCTV setting light to a large metal shredder at European Metal Recycling in Darlaston shortly after 9pm last night.

The oil in the machinery caused an intense blaze, that had to be doused with specialist foam and water from the nearby Walsall Canal.

Heavy smoke hung in the air and residents living near the huge plant in Bentley Road South were forced to keep their doors and windows closed.

Police cordoned off a large part of the road while firefighters worked at the plant throughout the night and into today.

The first 999 call came in at 9.20pm yesterday.

Twelve fire engines from Willenhall, Walsall, Bloxwich, Wednesbury, Bilston, Fallings Park and Perry Barr attended the scene.

Willenhall Watch Commander Andy Morgan said the CCTV footage was now being investigated by officers from West Midlands Police.

A security guard on the site was uninjured.