Officers warned drivers on the M5 to avoid a low-hanging white phosphorous cloud drifting south from a West Midlands
factory fire.

Travellers were told to keep their windows shut and turn off ventilation systems after the blaze in Langley, Oldbury, near Birmingham. But police later said the cloud, which
measured 50ft by 400ft and could cause skin irritation and breathing difficulties, had broken up. A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "Three hours after the 12.30pm fire,
emergency services advised that the cloud had been dispersed by the wind and any risk to health was greatly diminished.
Police were visiting homes in the immediate area to reassure families and stressed that anyone experiencing any of
the above symptoms should seek medical advice."
Officers were last night continuing to investigate the cause
of the fire at Rhodia Consumer Specialities in Trinity Street, Langley.