Smethwick fire: Huge furniture factory blaze was started by arsonists
A huge blaze which badly damaged a furniture factory is now being treated as arson.
Heartlands Furniture Wholesale Ltd in Cranford Street, Smethwick, went up in flames on Thursday night.
Around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze, which dominated the 10,000 sq ft storage building.
Over the weekend investigations have continued into the cause of the blaze, with West Midlands Fire Service passing the matter on to the police.
Teams from both agencies were at the site on Saturday and yesterday, inspecting the damage for clues.
The factory is located around 200m from the Midland Met Hospital, which is under construction.
Managing director of the firm, Saleem Shareef, said stock had been lost in the blaze, which started at 8.32pm.
It was extinguished on Friday morning.
WATCH the scene of destruction after the blaze engulfed the business
