SEVERAL hundred small animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs and rats, were killed after fire broke out at a property at Dippertown, near Lewdown on Tuesday.

Firefighters from Tavistock, Bere Alston and Launceston were called to the blaze at about 12.30am. A water bowser from Plympton was also in attendance.

A spokesperson for one of the crews involved said the fire had 'completely engulfed' the four outbuildings at Little Cholwell by the time the first appliance arrived on the scene.

Two vans and two cars were also badly damaged.

The spokesperson said the buildings were being used to breed small rodents for the pet trade.

'Unfortunately, they did lose quite a few of the animals — but it was difficult to say how many because the fire had engulfed it all.'

The crews used four sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reels and a jet hose in tackling the burning buildings.

'It was quite a substantial fire and fully developed by the time we arrived,' said the spokesman.

He said the residents at the property were unharmed by the fire but 'very distressed' at the incident.

A fire investigation team was called to the scene and was still on site during the morning.

A police spokesman said: 'At this time police and fire investigators are continuing to make enquiries to establish the cause of the fire.'

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 08452 777444, quoting log number 40 130410.