Dozens of families are forced to flee their homes as a fire tears through a derelict warehouse due to be turned into 200 luxury flats

• Building was almost completely destroyed last night as bystanders watched on
• At its height, more than 50 firefighters were called in to tackle the Walsall blaze 
• Footage showed moment roof and parts of the facade collapsed to street below
• Many nearby residents, including young families, were evacuated from homes

Dozens of families were forced to flee their homes as a huge fire broke out at a derelict warehouse in the West Midlands.

The building was almost completely destroyed last night as bystanders watched on in horror as the roof and parts of the facade collapsed to the street below.

At its height, more than 50 firefighters were called in to tackle the blaze after it erupted on the top floor of the warehouse in Walsall at about 5.30pm.

Many nearby residents, including young families, were evacuated from their homes and given refuge in the nearby town hall as the fire raged.

It is understood that the building, which has been derelict for some time, was due to be turned into 200 luxury flats. 

The building was almost completely destroyed last night as bystanders watched on in horror as the roof and parts of the facade collapsed to the street below (shown right)

Pictured is the remains of the factory’s roof after the fire tore through the upper floors of the building in Walsall

A police cordon was put up around the building while eyewitnesses looked on as rubble from the crumbling building crashed on to the road and parked cars.

Nine fire engines were rushed out to battle the blaze, with crews from Willenhall, Bilston, Bloxwich, West Bromwich, Aldridge, Smethwick and Tipton called in to help.

West Midlands Fire Service said at 6am this morning that the incident had now been ‘scaled down’, with just one pump on the scene. 

It is understood the building, which appeared to be completely gutted by the time the fire was under control, was once a leather goods factory.

A police cordon was put up around the building while eyewitnesses looked on as rubble from the crumbling building crashed on to the street and cars below (shown)

At its height, more than 50 firefighters were called in to tackle the blaze after it erupted in the top floor of the warehouse in Walsall at about 5.30pm

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