Fire rips through former Jabez Cliff factory

Fire tore through the former home of an historic saddle-maker in Walsall town centre forcing roads to be closed off and residents and buildings evacuated.

More than 60 firefighters tackled flames at the former Jabez Cliff and Co site in Lower Forster Street.

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Investigations were continuing today into what sparked the blaze, which forced the closure of 11 town centres streets and sparked traffic chaos.

The crumbling building was earmarked to become a new £3 million health centre boasting two doctors' surgeries, a pharmacy and an optician's.

Fire engulfed the ground, second and first floors of the disused 60m by 30m factory. One man was rescued from the building by fire crews but he did not need hospital treatment.

Pictures by Express & Star readers Nadeem Mansha and Steve Wilcox.