Factory gutted in huge inferno

A factory containing thousands of tons of sawdust caught fire in the Black Country today, sending huge flames leaping into the air.

More than 50 firefighters tackled the blaze at the wood recycling plant in West Bromwich at its peak in the early hours.

Residents living near to Giffords, off Kelvin Way, today told how they were woken by sirens at 2.15am.

Firefighters from across the region are set to remain at the site for the next few days to dampen down the factory.

West Midlands Fire Service has set up a command unit to co-ordinate the operation and water is being taken from the nearby Birmingham Canal.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated but is not believed to be suspicious. No one from Giffords was available for comment today.

The huge factory, which measures 500ft by 145ft, was ravaged by the flames, with around 80 per cent of the building damaged.