This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/west_midlands/6930807.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Fire collapses factory building Arson suspected in factory blaze
(about 10 hours later)
Over 120 firefighters have been called to a blaze in Walsall town centre which has destroyed a factory building. A massive blaze which destroyed a listed factory building in Walsall is being blamed on arsonists.
The fire broke out at 2230 BST at Shannons Mill on George Street, which is the site of a multi-million pound regeneration scheme. Up to 150 firefighters tackled the fire, which broke out at Shannons Mill, George Street, on Friday night.
A fire service spokesperson said the entire building was engulfed by flames and at least 60% of it had collapsed. The mill is unoccupied but is the site of a multi-million pound regeneration scheme. At least 60% of the building collapsed, the fire service said.
Nearby residents have been advised to keep all doors and windows shut and to stay away from the scene. Police said the fire was being treated as arson and they were keen to trace up to four teenage boys seen in the area.
The white youths were seen in the area several times between 1945 BST and 2300 BST.
Burning embers
The blaze is now under control but it could take two days to completely extinguish it, the fire service said.
Nearby residents were advised to keep all doors and windows shut and to stay away from the scene.
Firefighters were withdrawn to a safer distance as burning embers fell on adjacent properties.Firefighters were withdrawn to a safer distance as burning embers fell on adjacent properties.
One was taken to hospital with a wrist injury but the ambulance service said there were no other casualties.
Roads closed
There are also a number of gas cylinders at the site and extra water jets have been brought in to aid attempts to bring the fire under control and to protect surrounding buildings.There are also a number of gas cylinders at the site and extra water jets have been brought in to aid attempts to bring the fire under control and to protect surrounding buildings.
The factory was not occupied but is at the centre of a major development which will see apartments and designer stores built on the site.The factory was not occupied but is at the centre of a major development which will see apartments and designer stores built on the site.
A number of roads have been closed while the 24-hour Asda store on George Street was evacuated during the night and will remain closed on Saturday.
Walsall market will also be closed.