AROUND 900 pigs have died in a blaze that destroyed a farm building near Beaminster.

A total of 50 firefighters were called out to a piggery at Seaborough Manor after a fire broke out this morning.

Crews battled the flames for around three hours and remained on scene for the rest of the day to dampen down the site.

The building was completely destroyed in the fire and around 900 pigs were killed.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A spokesman for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said: “At just after 6.30am today fire control received a call to a piggery on fire at Seaborough.

“Eight engines were in attendance including specialist crews.

“There was an asbestos roof involved in the fire with no affect to any other properties.

“Crews were at work protecting adjacent piggeries and property.”

She added: “The stop message was received at 9.13am after the firefighters had extinguished the fire in the roof of the 100 meter by 330 meter building.

“Sadly around 900 pigs were lost in the fire and there was 100 per cent severe damage by fire to the piggery.

“There were 50 firefighters in attendance and appliances will be in attendance throughout the night to keep an eye on the site.

“The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.”