Firefighters attend blast at kiln

Firefighters have attended a fire at a Black Country kiln where a cylinder exploded during the blaze.

The fire began at about 2000 GMT at PBA Heat Treatment on Bevan Road in Brierley Hill.

About an hour later a cylinder containing ammonia exploded and a firefighter was hit by debris from the blast but did not require treatment.

Six people had to be rescued from the scene and firefighters expect to remain there throughout Thursday.

A spokesman said there had been fears that another cylinder, containing acetylene, could also explode.

He added: "Acetylene is a nasty kind of explosive which is very reactive and takes 24 hours to make sure it isn't a fire risk any more."

The ambulance service said the explosion was heard up to a mile away and a search and rescue team was called in but later stood down.