Arson attack at powerboat factory base in Brierley Hill

Arsonists set fire to a factory unit in Brierley Hill where a £1 million powerboat is being built. Flames ripped through a storage unit at Micklewrights Structures, wrecking two vans.

But firefighters managed to stop the blaze spreading to the powerboat, which is being built ahead of a bid to sail around the world in record-breaking time.

It is believed the arsonists removed a loose panel to get into the six-storey building. Bosses today said they had been plagued by vandals and arsonists.

Firefighters were called to the site, on the Thornleigh Trading Estate, at about 2.50pm yesterday afternoon and left at 5.50pm.

They had to use a fork-lift truck to break through metal shutters in order to douse the flames.

Adventurer Alan Priddy, who is leading the world record attempt, said his "heart stopped a few times" when he heard about the fire.

He said: "I really panicked. I don't know what I would do if it got damaged now but thankfully it all seems to be ok."

Micklewrights works manager Gary Smith said: "It was an arson attack. This is an old building not in use and backs on to the canal so it is very difficult to guard."