A huge fire has broken out at a Wolverhampton factory sending smoke billowing across the city.
Fire crews rushed to Sunbeam Street, near Upper Villiers Street, in the Blakenhall area of the city just after 7.30am.
Large plumes of black smoke have been pictured billowing from the scene of the fire.
Residents have been urged to avoid the area and shut their doors and windows.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: “We currently have eight fire engines, a 4×4 brigade response vehicle and a hydraulic aerial platform in attendance.
“Firefighters from Bilston, Fallings Park, Tipton, Willenhall, Haden Cross, Wednesbury, Dudley and Walsall are at the scene.
“The first crew arrived at the incident within three minutes of being mobilised.
“This is a fire in a factory building. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are currently tackling the fire using hose reel jets.”
The blaze has forced nearby roads to close, including Upper Villiers Street in both directions between Marston Road and Sunbeam Street.
Residents have spoken of hearing “explosions” coming from the scene of the fire.
Local businessman Paul Birch said he had “never witnessed anything quite so bad”.
Mr Birch, managing director at record label Revolver Records, told GB News: “It’s in an area of mixed light industrial and housing.
“Our local Councillor Sally Green was on the scene early on and called on the emergency response.
“Residents are advised to stay in doors and close their windows as a major toxic incident is emerging.”
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