Factory fire creates smoke plume across Birmingham

More than 100 firefighters are tackling a fire at a paint warehouse in Birmingham which has caused traffic congestion in the city centre.

Roads in the Newtown area have been closed and witnesses have reported seeing a large plume of black smoke over the area.

Some crews were expected to remain at the scene throughout Thursday night.

Police said some main roads were likely to be closed through the night.

Most of the closures are in and around Cecil Street, the most notable of which includes Lancaster Street leading out of the city, and the A38.

Police said they were liaising with the fire service in relation to any chemicals at the site. People living in the area are being urged to keep doors and windows shut as a precaution.

There have not been any reports of anyone being hurt.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters had been called to deal with a fire at a factory unit just after 1900 BST.

He said the roof of the factory was "well alight".