Forensic police teams are probing a fire at an industrial yard in West Bromwich
A fire that engulfed a number of vehicles and caused 'significant damage' to an industrial yard in West Bromwich is being investigated by the police after new evidence came to light.
The blaze broke out at powered access company QuickReach on Union Street in West Bromwich at around 11.30pm on Saturday, with four fire crews remaining on the scene until 8am on Sunday.
Two trucks and several power lift machines were engulfed in the flames, causing 'considerable damage and cost'.
QuickReach CEO David Barton thanked a local resident for their fast action in reporting the incident to the emergency services. He also thanked the fire brigade for its 'prompt reaction' to the incident.
He said: "At around 11.30 pm on January 25, a member of the public thankfully called the fire department.
"Two trucks and several machines were on fire, and it took the fire brigade several hours to maintain the blaze. The fire is now being treated as suspicious and is estimated to have caused considerable damage and cost.
"The police are now investigating.
"I would like thank the fire brigade for the prompt attention and reaction to the fire as well as the local resident who notified them of the flames.
"Our staff have shown great resilience and although early deliveries were disrupted we remain committed to getting the business back up and running in the coming days. The branch will undergo a complete refurbishment in the coming weeks and we are grateful to report no members of the Quick Reach team or members of the public were hurt in this incident."
West Midlands Police attended the incident to assist with the fire service on the night and to put road closures in place. They were eventually stood down as the blaze was thought to have been started accidentally.
However, a spokesperson for the force said fresh CCTV footage and 'unusual' evidence found at the scene has sparked an investigation.
Forensics will be attending the scene this week to investigate further.
They added: "We were made aware of the fire at around 11.55pm on Saturday and it was declared accidental at the time. We attended to support the fire service and the roads, but as it was declared accidental there was no further action.
"Since then we had another call saying new CCTV and evidence found at the site has come to light.
"Forensics will be on the scene this week to investigate."