Five horses die in stable fire - but policewoman saves 15 more

Firefighters were alerted as the blaze ripped through Station House Stables in Coxgreen Road, Cox Green, Penshaw, on Wearside, at about 5am.

According to people living nearby, a police officer spotted the smoke in the distance and alerted a nearby colleague who dashed to the scene.

She managed to open the doors of most of the stables, allowing 15 horses and ponies free.

David Mould, whose family runs the stables, said: “A man went past the stables at at 4.30pm and came up at 5pm and it was ablaze.

“There was a policewoman here who was letting the horses out and he helped her let them out.

“They woke the family and we all rushed out to help. When I got here it was well alight.

“The horses were out and were running loose and the police had to catch them. But there were five at the back that did not get out.”

He added: “Apparently an officer in Washington saw the flames and radioed this area let them know.

“There was a policewoman near Penshaw Monument who came flying down to help.

“She had the sense to open all the stable doors, but it had already taken hold around the back.

His son Dean Mould added: “The owners of the horses are all devastated.

“Two of the horses belonged to little girls who just can’t believe it.

“Thankfully the other horses were let out because it could have been a lot worse.”

A spokesman for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "The control room received a call at 4.55am to say a 30m by 20m stable block housing 20 horses at Station House Stables, Coxgreen Road, New Penshaw was on fire.

"Two fire engines from Washington Community Fire Station and a risk assessment vehicle attended and the fire was extinguished using three water jets and two hose reels.

"Fifteen horses were led to safety by stables staff and neighbours, but sadly five other horses died in the fire."

He added: "The building was divided into three stable blocks, one of which was completely destroyed by fire. A second block was damaged by fire and smoke, while the third block suffered moderate smoke damage."

Chief Inspector Sarah Pitt said: "The courageous actions of all of the officers who were first on the scene encompasses the true spirit of policing.

"Sadly, some horses were killed in the fire, however, the instinctive and decisive actions of the officers meant the majority were saved and safely secured in a nearby field. Additional officers who attended the scene assisted their colleagues throughout."

The cause of the fire is being investigated.