Police have launched an arson probe after 60 firefighters fought a huge blaze in a city scrapyard from Hereford's main railway line in the early hours of last Friday.

Oil drums exploded as firecrews fought to cool gas cylinders and extinguish the inferno that ripped through crushed vehicles at Raven Motors in Burcott Road.

Police believe the fire, which caused £10,000 damage, was started in one of the vehicles before spreading 40 yards across the yard, damaging heavy plant equipment used for lifting.

Sub Officer Ron Morris said the wind was blowing away from houses so evacuation was unnecessary.

"They closed the railway line down because they were fire fighting from the railway line," he added.

Fire crews remained on site 'damping down' until 4.30pm.

Station Officer Neil Pigott said the incident highlighted the importance of protecting businesses from fire.

"Fire damage to industry in England and Wales is about four billion pounds a year. Sixty per cent of businesses never recover after a fire and with recent legislation all employers have a legal responsibility to carry out a fire risk assessment."

Police media liaison officer Georgie Bates confirmed l that police were investigating: "We were called in by the Fire Brigade who were treating the fire as suspicious and also because of the time it occurred."

Anyone with information should contact DC Steve Perkins at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888.

Emergency services received a call at just after 11.30pm and deployed 10 pumps, two specials, a control unit and an incident support unit.