Man arrested after caravan fire kills a horse and dogs

A horse and a number of dogs have been killed in a fire that destroyed two caravans and a small stable in the Modbury area.

A 44-year-old man from Torquay has been arrested by police on suspicion of arson.

Police and fire services were alerted at around 12.30pm on Wednesday 12 June and called to Chapel Down Lane End in the Modbury area following the report of a fire.

A police spokesperson said: "On arrival...it became apparent that the fire had destroyed two caravans and a small stable resulting in the deaths of several dogs and one horse."

Police report that a member of the public who alerted the fire service was able to rescue one dog and two horses.

Two fire fighting appliances, from Modbury and Ivybridge stations attended the incident between California Cross and Modbury.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue reported: "Upon arrival Modbury fire fighting appliance found one caravan well alight, crews used two breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet and one covering jet.

"Fire also spread to two outbuildings which housed 6 dogs and 1 horse. It is sadly believed that the 6 dogs and the horse have not survived. Crews also cooled two gas cylinders."

A joint investigation between police and fire is underway to establish the cause of the fire, though it is being treated as suspected arson until a cause is fully established.

The arrested man has been bailed until 29 July while police carry out further enquiries.

A white van was seen in the vicinity at the time of the fire and police would like the driver or anybody with any information to come forward to help with enquiries.

Police are requesting any witnesses or anybody with any information to contact them on 101 quoting crime reference JK/13/358.