Eight Staffordshire bull terriers were rescued after a suspected arson attack today.

Firefighters were called to the blaze which destroyed stock within a grocery shop in West Bromwich Street, Caldmore, Walsall.

The dogs, which were in a flat above the store, were led free from the property by firefighters following fears over smoke spreading.

Four residents had already fled their homes by the time crews arrived at just after 1am.

Around 80 per cent of the shop were affected by smoke damage but no-one was injured. Fire crews remained at the scene until 5am.

Crew commander Neil Turner, from Walsall fire station, said the building was heavily smoke-logged but they managed to stop the fire spreading.