A MAN died at a metal smelting factory in Birmingham yesterday following reports of an explosion.

Emergency crews were called to Timet UK, in Witton, at around 2.45am after a fire that was believed to have started from a fracture in cooling pipes.

West Midlands Fire Service said the 39-year-old man, who has not been named, died at the scene. His family have been informed.

At one stage there were about 30 firefighters at the scene.

Fire service group commander Steve Harris said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, his friends and colleagues following this tragic incident.

“The nature of the material involved meant we had to tackle the fire in specialist suits, using dry power rather than water.

“Our specialist fire investigators will be working closely with West Midlands Police, as well as with the Health and Safety Executive, which will be carrying out a full inquiry.”