A NUMBER of dogs were killed and tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused when flames ripped through a farm in Burtonwood on Tuesday night.

Fire investigators are still looking into the cause of the blaze which completely destroyed several farm buildings and a host of equipment including four tractors.

Eight appliances from across

Warrington and Newton-le Willows were called out to Old Lodge Farm, off Clay Lane, at 9.30pm after the farmer reported hearing a loud bang.

Before the fire crews arrived, the farmer managed to rescue a number of horses which had been trapped as well as some of the dogs, but it is feared between 12 and 20 racing greyhounds perished in the blaze.

An equestrian centre on the site was destroyed leaving the rescued horses, currently on a

nearby field, without a home.

The family who own the farm have been there for more than 60 years and also lost 1,000 tonnes of mixed stock such as hay and straw in the blaze.

The incident is the latest in a series of fires at farms in the Burtonwood area.

Ian Foxcroft, leading firefighter, said: "Investigations are under way to find a cause but there is a strong suspicion of arson due to the history of the area.

"All farmers are asked to be extra vigilant and if they need any advice, they should contact their local fire station."

Investigating officer Ben Bellis added: "We would like to appeal to members of the public and passing motorists to contact the police with any information they may have."

You can contact Warrington police on 652222, or leave information anonymously on the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.