A FAMILY has spoken of its devastation after two pet horses and a donkey were killed in a suspected arson attack which swept through stables this morning.

The blaze which started in a nearby pigeon cree, also destroyed up to 38 pigeons containing birds - one worth more than £2,000 - and damanged 10 tonnes of hay.

The Willis family of Derwentside House in Low Westood, near Shotley Bridge, County Durham alerted by neighbours at about 6am to find a range of timber buildings well alight.

They were able to save four horses with the help of firefighters from the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service - but three animals were overwhelmed by heat and smoke and died.

Avril Willis said: "We are all absolutely devastated. We got a phone call from neighbours telling us they had seen the fire.

"We ran outside and saw the stables on fire. We tried turning a hose on the fire before the fire brigade arrived but were unable to do anything to stop the flames. It was terrible.

"My husband Colin, who was helped by the fire brigade, managed to get four horses out."

Mrs Willis said the dead animals were a donkey called Josh belonging to her, a black horse called Harvey belonging to her 18-year-old granddaughter Kirsty and the Clydesdale belonged to her husband.

Four horses, which suffered burns and smoke inhalation, were taken to a vet where the next 48 hours will be critical.

Neighbour Alan Staton said: "I looked out of my window and was faced with this massive conflagration. It was appalling.

"My Willis was running around screaming my horses, my horses."

Detective Constable Karen Jordison confirmed police are treating the fire as suspicious.

She said: "The fire was near the A694 which is a busy road and we are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious at the time to contact the police."

Anyone with information should contact DC Jordison on 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.