'Arsonist' who torched Walsall car hire firm on the run after huge 1am blaze

An 'arsonist' who torched a car hire firm in Walsall, destroying cars in the huge fire, is still on the run from police. The force is treating the large blaze as suspected arson, but no arrests have yet been made.

Some fifty firefighters rushed to tackle the blaze after the initial alert at 12.50am in the early hours of Saturday morning (June 29). Residents shared dramatic images and videos as thick plumes of black smoke filled the skyline nearby.

Loud sirens could be heard blaring in the near distance as the car hire firm, Envy Car Hire, went up in flames on Queen Street. The road was closed off for several hours following the incident, with an 'avoid the area' warning issued at 3pm.

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Flames also spread to neighbouring buildings. West Midlands Fire Service reported the blaze had been extinguished at around 8am, but they would remain on scene to "check for hotspots".

Officers were carrying out CCTV trawls in the area on Saturday and vowed to provide extra patrols in the area through the day. A spokeswoman for the force urged anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue.

She said: "We’re investigating after a fire at an industrial unit in Queens Street destroyed several cars and spread to neighbouring units. Investigations are ongoing today to establish the cause of the fire which is being treated as suspected arson. We’re exploring CCTV and there will be extra police patrols in the area today.

"Anyone who has information and hasn’t spoken to a police officer is urged to contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting log 188 of 29/6. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 080 555 111."

Have you been affected by this? We would like to hear from you. You can contact us by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com