Cumbria Police are working with Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service to establish the circumstances of a large fire that occurred at a farm building at Barfs Road, Distington.
Police received a report of a fire at a farm building at 10.35pm yesterday (8th September), in which were 5 horses and a dog – all the animals died in the fire.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, however it is being treated as suspicious and both the police and fire service are conducting enquiries to establish what exactly happened.
Inspector Gary Hunter said: “We are working with the fire service to establish the circumstances of last night’s fire and to identify any potential causes.
“This fire caused significant damage which is estimated to be in the region of over £60,000. Sadly 5 horses and a dog who were in the barn at the time of the fire have died.
“If anyone has any information on last night’s fire I’d urge them to get in touch.”
Hannah Donaughee posted on Facebook: “Our world has been destroyed. Some sick twisted bastards have set fire to our barn killing defenceless animals. My children’s beloved horses and a dog.
“My dad has spent years building that place from scratch and its now gone!
“We’ve lost all our horse/riding equipment… we dont even have a head collar for our remaining horses which were luckily in the field.
That doesn’t matter as it can all be replaced. The worst and most devastating loss has been our beloved horses and dog.
We’ve sadly lost Sparky (My 7yr olds pony), Red (My 14yr olds new horse), Marley (the stallion), Tilly and Jilly ( the mare and 4 week old foal) and Bruno the dog.
“Our lives are never going to be the same ???? ???? ???? ???? I’m so sorry we couldn’t save any of you…RIP sleep tight ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤”
Fundraising page set up by Cumberland Foxhounds Pony Club https://www.gofundme.com/shvn7-support-fund
Anyone with any information is asked to call Officers on our non-emergency number 101 quoting incident number 268 of the 8th September. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
