Animals dead allotment to
Reporter CHICKENS, goats and pigs were killed after a blaze broke out at a County Durham allotment.
A fire swept through Catchgate Allotments near Stanley on Sunday, killing two goats, six pigs, chickens and wildfowl.
A number of outbuildings were also destroyed in the fire, which started at around 1am.
On Facebook, a spokesperson for Catchgate Allotments said: “There was a serious fire on our Swan Street Site in the early hours of this morning, stables have been completely destroyed and many animals killed, including goats and chickens.”
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) sent a number of crews to tackle the fire.
“Three crews from Consett and Durham were deployed to the scene where four large outbuildings were well alight,” a spokesperson said.
“Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, firefighters were only able to save some of the animals which lived on the allotment and several died at the scene.”
A joint fire and police investigation is now under way to establish the cause of the fire.
Durham Constabulary is appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.
A force spokesperson said: “If you anyone knows anything in relation to this incident, or has been a witness, please contact 101 quoting incident number DHM-08072018-0052, you can also report anonymously to Crime stoppers; 0800 555111.”