Birmingham fire: Warnings of harmful fumes after huge blaze breaks out at plastics factory

A large fire has broken out at a plastics factory in Birmingham, sending “harmful fumes” into the air and huge columns of smoke that could be seen from miles away.

Fire chiefs said the blaze would last into the night as more than 100 firefighters tackled it.

People across the city saw thick, black plumes of smoke rising from the site.

Ambulance crews also rushed to the scene at Tyseley Industrial Estate, but there are no reports yet of any casualties.

The West Midlands Fire Service, which said it had received high numbers of calls, sent 10 appliances plus specialist appliances.

Police warned of harmful fumes, and fire chiefs advised residents to keep doors and windows closed, despite the heatwave.

The smoke caused severe congestion on roads in the area, with buses badly delayed. It could be seen from as far as Birmingham Airport, the city centre, Solihull and Edgbaston.

The ambulance service’s hazardous response team also went to the scene.

The cause of the fire is not yet clear.