A DISTRAUGHT smallholder has lost his pet dog and thousands of pounds worth of horse riding equipment in an arson attack by yobs.

Pippa the eight-year-old Jack Russell died inside the burning storage hut at the stables and farm complex - known as Tommy's Pen - in the Mill Hill area of Blackburn.

And today 76-year-old owner Tommy Talbot sobbed as he revealed the heartache caused by the damage at the yard he has tended for 30 years.

Tommy, known and loved by scores of local people, said: "Whoever lit the fire must have known Pippa was in there because she would have started barking.

"I have also lost saddles, bridles and a lot of horse tackle belonging to the girls who keep their horses here. That alone was worth £2,500.

"You have to be as simple as the people who did this to understand them."

The retired Blackburn slaughterhouse worker, who lives in Queen Victoria Street, was alerted by two women who had seen the fire and called the fire brigade.

Crews were still at the site on playing fields at the corner of Speedwell Street and Henry Whalley Street when he arrived.

They are now investigating the exact cause of the blaze.

A Shetland pony which had been in a neighbouring building was led away to safety and Tommy's ferrets and chickens also escaped unhurt.

The attack is the latest in a long line of break-ins but the first fire.

Maureen Carter is one of three horse owners who usually stable their animals at the pen.

She said that all Tommy's friends had been devastated by the attack and added: "It is just very cruel.

"Most of the people around here who ride horses had their first experience on one of Tommy's horses. Everybody knows him.

"He loved the dog and I am concerned that he may never recover from what has happened."

Now friends are rallying round to help clear up the site and have appealed for any assistance local people can give.

Maureen said: "We want absolutely anything that will help us to rebuild the storage room - nails, wood, services, anything.

"It would also be great if anyone had spare riding equipment they no longer need."

Anyone with information should ring Blackburn police on 01254 51212

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