An animal-loving community is coming to terms with the death of two horses after they became trapped in a stable fire in Ramsden Bellhouse.
Fire fighters managed to release four horses from the burning stables but despite their best efforts they could not save the two other distressed animals.
Neighbours rushed to the scene in Church Road to offer help but could only watch as the barn, which is located behind the Fox and Hounds Pub, went up in flames.
Fire crews from Wickford, Billericay and Basildon fought the blaze which started at around 10.30pm on Thursday and worked through the night and continued to damp down the area on Friday.
Neighbour, Louise Smith, 26, said Ramsden Bellhouse is full of horse lovers and the animals' deaths have upset residents: "It was awful. My husband, Paul and I thought the pub was on fire but it was only when we looked closer we could see it was the stables behind."
The cause of the fire has not yet been established, but a joint investigation between the police and fire service has been launched.
The fire destroyed the barn, which was full of straw and hay bales, and two adjoining stable blocks were also damaged in the incident.
Anyone with further information on the fire is asked to call Basildon Police on 01268 532212.
Published Wednesday September 1, 2004
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