Animals killed in fire

Date published: 13/06/2006

A man whose three horses and ten dogs were killed following a fire at an allotment in Rochdale in the early hours of Sunday 10 June 2006 has appealed for the public's help to find the people responsible.

Francis Rand and his wife Jenny were left devastated following the fire at their allotment on Rooley Moor Road.

Police and fire crews were called to the allotment shortly before 1.15am on Sunday morning following reports of a fire. The fire was extinguished but the animals were already dead.

Early indications are that the fire was likely to have been started deliberately.

Francis and Jenny had kept animals at the allotment for the past 20 years and are well known as animal lovers by people living in the area.

They would often let local children visit the horses, Leo, Charlie and Tod, and the Cavilier King Charles Spaniels.

Francis said: "I have been left absolutely dumbstuck by what has happened. I can't understand why anyone would want to hurt these animals.

"I've kept horses at the allotment for the last 20 years and my wife and I are well known in the local community as we often let local kids ride on the horses or visit the puppies when we have a new litter. For many of the children it's the only contact they've ever had with horses.

"I hope the people responsible for this did not intend to hurt the animals but whether they wanted to or not they should be held responsible for their actions.

"Fire is extremely dangerous and should not be started for fun. The loss of our animals has had a huge impact on both my wife and myself and I would appeal to anyone who knows who was responsible for this to come forward to the police."

Detective Constable Lindsay Wallbank from Rochdale CID said: "This fire has had a devastating effect on Francis and Jenny, as well as the local community. No-one can understand why this allotment will have been targeted.

"Starting a fire deliberately, even if the intention is not to hurt anyone, can have devastating effects.

"I hope seeing the impact that this has had on Francis and Jenny will prompt someone to come forward with further information about the people responsible."

Anyone with any further information about this incident is asked to contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4897 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.