Hooty's targeted in arson attack

Discount superstore Hooty's has been targeted in an arson attack.

Around 120 staff and customers were evacuated from the store in Willenhall's Longacres Industrial Estate following the attack, which destroyed Christmas stock including gift sets and perfume.

A worker raised the alarm after smoke was spotted in the rear storeroom last night.

More than 20 firefighters from Walsall, Dudley and Wednesbury were called to the scene at 7.10pm.

The store's sprinkler system helped contain the fire but caused further damage to stock.

Watch commander Nigel Walker, from Walsall Fire Station, said today the blaze took about two hours to get the flames under control. The outbreak is being treated as suspicious.

Mr Walker said: "The fire was approximately 21 square metres. It was contained in the stock holding area which was heavily smoke-logged by the time we got there. We were helped by the fact there was a sprinkler system in the building."

Hooty's was open as usual today.

Managing director Jim Maclachlan said the store would be replenishing the damaged stock from its nearby warehouse.