A SEVERE fire which caused a roof to collapse at a row of shops in Oldbury is being linked with cannabis cultivation.

The blaze happened on Rood End Road just after half past 6 this morning (Friday, January 14), above a row of shops.

West Midlands Fire Service said its first crew arrived within four minutes of being sent out. The fire was under control 20 minutes later.

They have also said that the fire is believed to be linked with the growing of cannabis above a pizza shop.

The fire service released images revealing how the fire spread through the roof space.

On Twitter, West Midlands Fire Service posted: "This morning's fire on Rood End Road, #Oldbury is believed to be linked to the growing of cannabis above a pizza shop.

"The first floor collapsed into the ground floor."

West Midlands Police have said they were alerted to a cannabis factory being discovered following the fire. 

A spokesperson said: "It was found during a fire in a flat above a takeaway shop.

"The blaze is believed to have been caused through the cultivation of cannabis and no-one was injured.

"Further enquiries will be carried out as Rood End Road at the junction of Shirley Road remains closed.

"Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote log 595 of 14/1/2022."