Around 17 animals died after a serious fire broke out a barn which a crew from Bishop's Castle was scrambled to during the early hours of last week.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service believe the blaze in Cleobury Mortimer in south Shropshire was started accidentally.

Firefighters were called at 4.42am on Wednesday morning, October 4, to reports that a large barn around 160ft by 40ft was on fire in Milson.

Crews from Bishop's Castle, Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Cleobury Mortimer, Craven Arms, Much Wenlock, Newport, Telford and Tweedale all attended the fire.

Firefighters remained at the scene as there was a "considerable" amount of hay on fire which was travelling across the fields.

County Times: Firefighters remained at the scene as there was a "considerable" amount of hay on fire which was

Pictures showed flames reaching high into the skies with smoke billowing from a barn.

A spokesperson for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters used main jets and hose reel jets to tackle but unfortunately approximately 17 animals died during the blaze.

"The service will continue to support the farm owner during this sad time.

"A fire investigation has been carried out and the fire is believed to have started accidentally and the most likely cause is electrical or self-combustion".