Animals die in Isle of Wight pet shop fire Published duration 6 November 2018

image copyright Google image caption Isle of Wight Pet Centre has been trading for more than 17 years

A number of animals have died in a fire at a pet shop on the Isle of Wight.

Birds, reptiles and lizards were killed in the blaze at Isle of Wight Pet Centre in Newport.

Five crews from across the island were called to the shop in Watergate Road shortly after 23:00 GMT on Monday. The fire was out by 00:45.

The blaze began in the shop area on the ground floor. An investigation into the cause is under way but it is not thought to be suspicious.

Isle of Wight Council said the ground floor and roof were damaged.

According to the shop's website, it has been trading for more than 17 years and has a breeding programme of snakes and lizards.

It also stocks birds and other small pets, including rabbits, hamsters and chinchillas.

A fundraising page set up to help manager Paul Collins and his team has so far raised more than £1,000.