MORE than 80 racing pigeons died in a suspected arson attack on an allotment.

Devastated owner George Skidmore, 72, can't bare to look at the cremated wreck of his pigeon loft, which was found ablaze late on Thursday evening.

Mr Skidmore, who has under-gone two triple heart-bypass operations and continues to suffer lung problems, has now declared an end to his beloved hobby.

Firefighters were called to the allotment site in Lingdale, near Guisborough, east Cleveland, at around midnight on Thursday.

After breaking the locks to the site, it was too late to save any of the birds and all 81 perished in the flames.

Cleveland Police and the fire brigade are investigating the suspicious blaze.

Mr Skidmore said: "We've been plagued for years down at the allotments with gangs of kids hanging around. But I really don't know who did this - I have no enemies.

"The police told me if they don't catch who did this within 24 hours, there's a very slim chance they'll catch them at all."

After warnings from doctors about his health, Mr Skidmore spent more than 20 years without his precious birds.

But after his grandson Michael Jackson, 22, vowed to help out with the physical duties around the loft, Mr Skidmore was able to restart his hobby last year.

But the birds hadn't even reached adult racing age when tragedy struck.

He said: "I just can't believe someone would want to do that. Why couldn't they let the birds out if they wanted to play with fire.

"I'm absolutely devastated. I can't go down there and look at the damage. I won't be having anymore pigeons, I couldn't bare to go through this again."

The broken hearted pensioner told how a friend on his way home from a local pub noticed the flames and alerted the fire brigade.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said damage caused to the hut was estimated at £2,000.

An appeal was issued for any witnesses or anyone with information about the blaze to get in touch with DC Chris Marchant, of Redcar CID, on (01642) 302626.