Firefighters rescue 44 animals from pet shop blaze

Firefighters have rescued 44 animals after a pet shop went up in flames.

The fire broke out at a Pets at Home store in Harlow, Essex, at about 05:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Guinea pigs, mice and rabbits were among the animals evacuated from the heavily smoke-logged building on East Road.

Station manager Matt Bannon said: "We're really pleased to have rescued them all and hope they recover quickly."

Investigators have been trying to determine what caused the fire, which broke out at the back of the shop.

Firefighters ventilated the building throughout Tuesday.

A Pets at Home spokesman said staff were "incredibly grateful" to the fire service for its response.

"As a precaution, all animals are currently being assessed by veterinary surgeons," he said.

"We would like to extend our thanks to our colleagues on the ground who are working tirelessly to care for the animals and support the ongoing assessment of the building."

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