A massive fire has ripped through a factory - with explosions being heard and thick black smoke visible from miles away.

More than 100 firefighters are battling the huge blaze, which broke out at a unit in Sunbeam Street, Wolverhampton, this morning (Wed).

The inferno has sent smoke billowing over the city and nearby residents have also reported hearing explosions.

Homeowners have been urged to avoid the area and shut their doors and windows.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Shortly after 7.30am on Wednesday we responded to Sunbeam Street, near the junction Upper Villiers Street in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton."

"We currently have eight fire engines, a 4x4 brigade response vehicle and a hydraulic aerial platform in attendance. "

"Firefighters from Bilston, Fallings Park, Tipton, Willenhall, Haden Cross, Wednesbury, Dudley and Walsall are at the scene. "

"The first crew arrived at the incident within three minutes of being mobilised."

"This is a fire in a factory building. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are currently tackling the fire."

In an update later this morning, they added: "We have increased our resources at the ongoing factory fire."

"We have 17 fire engines, two 4x4 brigade response vehicles, two hydraulic aerial platforms and a drone team at the scene."

"As a result, we want to remind everyone to avoid the area at this time. "

"If you live or work in the area, please close your windows and doors."

Karl Geraghty, who lives nearby said: "There is thick black smoke and flames and I can hear explosions."

It is clearly a major fire."

Another onlooker said: "I was travelling into work this morning and saw the cloud from Codsall."

"People have been telling me about the fire and how they've seen someone running out of their business with gas canisters and other bits."

"It's frightening because of how big it looks and how high the flames are."

Former Labour councillor Paul Birch described the fire as a "major toxic incident" and urged residents to stay indoors."

Catherine Pickett, of Penn, Wolverhampton, who was driving to work, said: "You can smell the fire in the air. "

"There are flames and thick smoke and I can just hear sirens coming from every direction." "

A worker from a company near the fire, who did not wish to be named, added: "I think we should be ok as the fire is going the other way, but we saw the orange glow from our windows."

"I was driving in from the M6 Toll and saw the smoke from there, so you can tell how bad it is."

"We hope it doesn't cause any damage as it's going to cost a lot to repair things"

Another local resident said: "I've just heard about the fire and seen the smoke as I live in the new build flats nearby and I saw a woman crying as she'd just put new stock in her shop and it's all been ruined."

"I don't feel worried for myself as I think we're safe, but it's just really bad for the whole community as people are going to lose their businesses from this."