A MAN at the centre of an RSPCA animal cruelty investigation broke his silence last night to declare his innocence.

Alan Magraw told The Northern Echo that although he had, in the past, rented sheds where 264 dead and decaying mice, guinea pigs and rabbits were found, he had not kept animals there for about six months.

Yesterday, The Northern Echo reported the discovery of the creatures in two sheds at a farm near Darlington.

The remains of the animals were recovered by RSPCA officers on Monday.

The Northern Echo understands that Mr Magraw was renting the sheds at Low Goosepool Farm, near Middleton St George.

It is also believed he owned the Pets 4U shop, in Neasham Road, Darlington, before it closed.

Mr Magraw said the incident was nothing to do with him.

One of the farm's owners called in the animal welfare charity after she discovered the dead animals on Sunday night. It is understood that the farm, which is a quarter of a mile from the sheds, has no connection to the animals.

Letters addressed to Pets 4U were found at the sheds.

Mr Magraw was adamant that he had not kept animals in the sheds for the past six months.

He said: "The sheds don't belong to me. It's nothing to do with me, as far as I'm concerned.

"I've never had any animals in there for about six months. I rented it off the farmer at one stage, but I've never had any animals in there for yonks.

"I go over there every now and again to feed the cats, but I've never had any animals in there since July.

"There's nothing in there. Look, there's been no animals in there since July."

The RSPCA said officers were unable to comment on any details of the case while an investigation was continuing.