Animal deaths blamed on arsonists

A fire in which a large number of animals were killed, is being treated as arson, police have confirmed.

Twenty pigs, a horse and a Shetland pony died in a blaze at a small-holding in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, early on Saturday morning.

Rabbits and geese also died in the fire, which Durham Police detectives have said was started deliberately.

A force spokesman said officers were working with fire service investigators and appealed for witnesses.