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Hundreds of lizards, snakes, spiders and turtles were rescued from the Nottingham Cattle Market fire.

Richard Wragg, 40, co-owner of Nottingham Sea Food, rushed out of his house so quickly he didn't get a chance to change out of his pyjamas and has been battling against the clock to save the neighbouring businesses' lizards.

One was so large it had to be rescued in a wheelbarrow.

Mr Wragg, 40, who is part of a rescue team of about eight made up of workers from his shop and Internet Reptiles, as well as helpful onlookers, said: "The firefighters told us we had to get them all out if they're to survive the fire.

"There are hundreds of them, lizards, snakes, spiders, some very cute turtles.

"They're all in boxes, not running around our unit.

"Its operation save the lizards, we're being pushed for time - the fire is directly behind their unit and if it spreads we'll have to evacuate [and leave the rest].

"We're all running backwards and forwards.

"One of the team has been bitten by a venomous snake but he's fine.

"The flames are massive and it surprised me how hot it was. I could feel the heat from 20 to 30 feet away."