Severe blaze at recycling plant

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The fire resulted in a thick plume of acrid black smoke

A large fire at a recycling plant, which forced up to 80 people to leave their homes, is being treated as suspicious.

The fire at AWM Recycling by Southern Way in Wednesbury, West Midlands, began at about 0400 BST on Wednesday, but was under control after about five hours.

The fire service said it sealed off the area as a large volume of recycled asbestos is stored at the site.

About 100 firefighters were sent to the scene of the blaze.

Several people, including police officers, have been treated for the effects of smoke, the West Midlands force said.

'Checked over'

The A41 was closed in the area at the Patent Shaft roundabout.

The incident happened near where Southern Way meets the Black Country New Road.

The ambulance service said between 70 and 80 residents were led to safety - some had gone to stay with friends or relatives and others went to Darlaston police station.

A spokesman said earlier: "The fire has caused a thick plume of acrid black smoke to move into a nearby housing area.

"A handful of residents have been checked over but thankfully no-one has required hospital treatment."

The fire service said on Wednesday morning the blaze was being treated as suspicious.

Asked about recycled asbestos, Sarah Warnes, spokeswoman for the fire service, said earlier: "It is a concern as far as contamination is concerned.

"But if residents are in doubt, then just keep their doors and windows shut."

West Midlands Police said on Wednesday morning the cause of the fire remained unclear and was subject to ongoing inquires by the fire service and police investigators.