FIREFIGHTERS fought back a blaze at a factory in Netherton after a "serious" fire broke out late Wednesday night (August 17).

Six crews from Oldbury, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge, Haden Cross, Tipton and Dudley attended the scene of a factory fire in Halesowen Road.

The incident, which occured at around 9.45pm, saw an aerial platform dispatched as firefighters worked to prevent the fire from spreading.

Road drivers were warned to avoid the area after Halesowen Road to the crossroads with Saltwells Road was closed due to the factory fire.

Group Commander Neil Griffiths, of West Midlands Fire Service, said: "We've got six fire engines and a hydraulic platform in use.

"The first fire engine was here in under five minutes which had a really good impact on us being able to control the fire.

"We're going to be here for a significant amount of time to put out the fire but also to establish the cause."

By 12.15am, the fire was put out, although roads were closed well into the early hours of the morning.

Watch Commander Matt Beckerleggy added: "The priority at the moment is to sort the  sort the utilities out.

"We have looked at the gas and the electrics. The gas has been confirmed as already isolated and the electrics have also been done by Western Power."

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Our fire investigators have confirmed that they are treating last night's fire in a derelict factory as suspected arson."