Hundreds of pigeons die in fire

More than 200 pigeons have been killed in what police have described as a suspicious fire at a loft in Killyleagh, County Down.

The fire at Osbourne Drive was discovered at about 0035 BST on Saturday.

Six individual sheds housing pigeons were destroyed, caused thousands of pounds of damage.

Councillor William Walker said the incident was "a total scandal".

"When I heard the extent of what had happened, I was totally appalled," said the DUP representative.

"I do know the man very well and I know he's very passionate about his pigeons, which he races and shows."

Police have appealed to anyone with information about the fire to contact them in Downpatrick.