Firefighters rescued 44 animals, including guinea pigs, mice and rabbits, during a fire in a Harlow pet shop.

Four crews were called to the blaze at Vets for Pets, located inside a Pets at Home store, on Tuesday.

On arrival, crews reported the shop was 100% smoke logged and worked to find a fire in the back of the shop. 

Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and safely rescue the animals. 

Firefighters will remain at the scene ventilating the building and making the area safe.

An investigation was carried out and found the fire was caused accidentally. The rescued animals were left in the care of vets and shop staff.

Station Manager Matt Bannon said: “We’re really pleased to have rescued all the animals and hope they recover quickly. 

“We’ll be at the scene for a little while longer ventilating the building and making the area safe, please continue to avoid the area if you can.”

Poets at Home said on its Vest for Pets Facebook page: “We are incredibly grateful to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service who worked at speed to successfully contain and extinguish the fire and move the animals on site to safety. As a precaution, all animals are currently being assessed by veterinary surgeons.

“We would like to extend our thanks to our colleagues on the ground who are working tirelessly to care for the animals and support the ongoing assessment of the building.”