Booth's Garden and Pet Centre in Royton, Oldham, is thought to have been completely destroyed when a ferocious blaze took hold of the Turf Lane business on Friday evening, killing a number of animals.

Seven fire engines rushed to the scene after reports of smoke and a fire alarm at 5.45pm. Around 40 fire fighters worked through the evening to put out the flames, and alongside members of the RSPCA, were able to rescue a number of small animals.

Local press reports suggest that up to 160 of the centre's animals, including guinea pigs, chickens and rabbits, were found alive. It was initially feared all animals had perished apart from a few parrots and pigeons, which fire fighters were able to save early on.

A man collapsed at the scene but, according to fire fighters this was due to a medical condition and not thought to be directly caused by the fire. No one else is thought to have been injured in the blaze.

The single-storey garden centre is reported to have been completely destroyed. The Greater Manchester fire department says an investigation into what caused the blaze is underway.

View amateur footage of the blaze here

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