Fire crews search Sparkbrook furniture factory

Firefighters are searching a burnt-out Birmingham furniture factory after reports of people going inside as crews tackled the blaze.

About 100 firefighters were called to Direct Furniture Choice Ltd on Montgomery Street, Sparkbrook, at about 16:00 BST on Tuesday.

Nearby houses were evacuated, but no-one is believed to have been hurt in the fire which led to street closures.

Crews were searching for "unaccounted people," the fire service said.

A spokesperson added: "Members of the public approached the crew and said they believed that they saw people going inside."

Investigations are already under way to find out what caused the blaze.

Part of Montgomery Street and Small Heath Highway were among the roads affected.

Insp Jack Hadley, from West Midlands Police, said residents living near the fire were evacuated from their homes "as a precaution".

Some people stayed with friends or family or had been offered shelter near their homes by the local authority.