Birmingham fire: Winson Green factory blaze sends smoke across city
Smoke could be seen across Birmingham's skyline after a large fire broke out at a derelict factory in the city.
More than 70 firefighters tackled the blaze in Winson Green, where recycling material was understood to be alight. The fire, which broke out shortly before 12:40 BST, is under control but West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) crews will be at the scene overnight. No injuries have been reported but nearby residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed. Part of Dudley Road - a key route into the city centre and City Hospital - was closed and the fire service advised motorists to avoid the area. Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust said there was heavy traffic in the area, but the hospital was unaffected and all staff and patients were safe. Emergency services said they received more than 80 calls about the fire - the cause of which is yet to be established. Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone.