A huge fire swept through a warehouse in Wolverhampton. The flames were up to 50ft high and plumes of smoke were visible for miles around.

The blaze at an industrial estate off Millfields Road, Ettingshall, caused about £800,000 worth of damage to stock at neighbouring Tile Choice.

At its height 100 firefighters tackled the blaze. Hundreds of people came out of their homes to watch as the flames destroyed the warehouse.

Firefighters were investigating the cause of the blaze today and said the building contained aerosols, paints, oils, thinners and detergents.

The warehouse, at the rear of Tile Choice, belongs to Essex-based Residual Brand Management and supplies branded goods to independent retailers and pound shops. The company declined to comment today.

Loud bangs could be heard and ash fell from the sky as fire crews using 16 engines tackled the blaze which started at around 9.30pm last night.

Traffic was due to stay blocked from getting down Ward Street and Millfields Road for most of today.

Officers were also stopping cars getting on to Ettingshall Road and Millfields Road from its junction with Manor Road and Parkfield Road.

West Midlands Fire Service Group Commander Mick Lomas said: “The building is gutted.

“The fire went through the roof. All that is left is the four walls, it is just a shell.”