Animals perish in sanctuary blaze

Thirty-four horses were left homeless after a farm fire

An animal sanctuary based on a farm in Bedfordshire has been burnt down leaving 34 horses without shelter.

Fifty firefighters battled the blaze at Doon Brae Farm, Pepperstock near Luton, and managed to rescue some animals.

Six dogs, five geese, two chickens and two rabbits perished. Owner Tamara Lloyd, who also lost her home, was distraught at the loss of the animals.

A fire officer overseeing the incident said he believed the fire had started in an electric plug.

Ms Lloyd said: "It's hard to lose everything but it's worse to lose my animals. I'll never forgive myself over that.

"We need to try and sort out finances so we can keep the rest of the animals together and move forward."