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Firefighters rescue 44 animals from pet shop blaze

Lewis AdamsEssex
News imageEssex Fire Service A firefighter with a large silver air cannister on their back is crouching down inside the pet shop. Several crates used for keeping pets in are scattered around in front of them.Essex Fire Service
Firefighters saved the animals at a pet shop in Harlow

Firefighters have rescued 44 animals after a pet shop went up in flames in the early hours.

The fire broke out in Harlow, Essex, at about 05:00 GMT.

Guinea pigs, mice and rabbits were among the animals evacuated from the heavily smoke-logged building on East Road.

Station manager Matt Bannon said: "We're really pleased to have rescued them all and hope they recover quickly."

News imageEssex Fire Service Three rabbits in a wooden box containing straw. One is brown and the other two are black and white.Essex Fire Service
A rabbit rescue had to be carried out in the early hours of the morning

Investigators have been trying to determine what caused the fire, which broke out at the back of the shop.

Firefighters would remain ventilating the building throughout Tuesday afternoon, Bannon added.

News imageEssex Fire Service What appears to be a mix of rodents in a container with straw.Essex Fire Service
The fire service said it was "really pleased to have rescued" all the animals

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