Police investigate as Tipton scrap yard fire - now being treated as arson

Police are investigating the Tipton scrap yard fire which is now being treated as arson.

West Midlands Police have today confirmed that the blaze that destroyed over 1,000 tons of scrap metal at EnableLink scrap yard is now suspected to be arson.

Residents were urged to keep their windows and doors closed as the fire ripped through the premises on George Henry Road at 6.18am on Wednesday, October 11 - with many reporting the sound of explosions as firefighters rallied to bring the blaze under control. A nearby primary school and businesses closed and roads were shut while the flames were doused with the help of water from a nearby canal. The fire took more than several hours to put out, with fire crews remaining at the scene overnight.

West Midlands Police is asking for anyone with information to contact them directly. A spokesperson for the force said: "A fire in George Henry Road, Tipton, on Wednesday (11 October) is suspected of being arson. Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat, or by calling 101, and quote 20/875687/23."

The fire was attended by over 40 firefighters, eight fire engines, one brigade response vehicle, and two hydraulic platforms. Following the fire, Joshua Long, the director of Enablelink, told the Express & Star: "I’ll be honest, I’m absolutely gutted about this. I was on my way in this morning when I heard about it and we still don’t know what the cost will be, but I know it’s going to massively impact the company.

"I do know that everyone who works here is safe and accounted for as there was no one on site when it started, but I’ve got no idea what caused this, maybe a few suspicions, but nothing much."

Smoke from the blaze could be seen from miles away, with many saying the scenes were "hellish". Tylah Colby, from Tipton, said: "It’s horrible, look at it, it’s hellish. It really is like something out of a movie. I’ve never seen anything like this before. The smoke was completely covering the sky above the fire at one point. It’s crazy."