Firefighters battle huge factory blaze
A suspected arson attack has destroyed part of a derelict factory in Birmingham.
The fire broke out when a number of pallets were set alight at what is believed to be a former pen-making factory in Warwick Street, Digbeth.
Fire crews battled the blaze, which saw thick plumes of smoke dominate the city skyline, for around 90 minutes on Saturday afternoon.
Station commander David Hilton said: "We believe it is an arson attack.
"A number of pallets were set on fire and there were large amount of smoke coming from the building.
"Police and ambulance attended the scene with us as we thought there may be some vagrants inside the building but we later found there was no persons inside the building.
"We were called out at 4.45pm and the crew put a stop on it just before 6pm.
"We are currently unsure as to how much damage has been caused at the building, but it was derelict already."
West Midlands Ambulance Service also attended.
People from across the area tweeted pictures of the large plumes of smoke from the fire:
