Twenty-five horses have died in a blaze at Trieux, Lorraine, north-east France. Around 50 firemen and 8 fire engines battled to save the animals at the equestrian centre but only 4 survived.
The fire broke out during the early hours of Sunday morning and has all but destroyed the property.
Pascal Santoni, director of the neighbouring equestrian centre, du Quoire, has visited the site and reported that the stables have been burnt to the ground. The walls are in danger of collapse and there is a secure perimeter around the barn.
He said that he understood that hay and straw were stored in the barn, and that there was only one exit.
His centre, also in Trieux, has not been affected.
The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, but the police have opened an enquiry.
