6,000 pigs killed in fire at farm

Five barns were completely destroyed in the blaze

About 6,000 pigs have died in a fire at a farm near Pocklington.

Five barns, each holding 1,200 animals, were completely destroyed in the blaze at Grove Farm in Melbourne on Thursday.

Firefighters said that thousands more pigs were saved after crews prevented flames from spreading to other parts of the site.

About 45 firefighters, including crews from Huntington in North Yorkshire, tackled the blaze, which is thought to have started accidentally.

Glenn Ramsden, from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The buildings were so heavily involved in fire when crews arrived on scene, that the main priority became saving the other animals at the farm.

"Firefighters worked exceptionally hard in arduous conditions to bring the emergency to a safe conclusion."