FIREFIGHTERS have rescued 44 animals including guinea pigs, mice and rabbits during a fire in a pet shop in East Road, Harlow this morning. 

Four crews were called to a fire at Pets at Home at 4:59am on East Road, off Edinburgh Way in Harlow.

On arrival, crews reported the shop was 100% smoke logged and worked to find a fire in the back of the shop. 

Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and safely rescue the animals. 

Firefighters will remain at the scene ventilating the building and making the area safe.

An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire.

The guinea pigs, mice and rabbits have been left in the care of vets and shop staff.

Station Manager Matt Bannon said: “Crews worked quickly to get the fire under control and to safely rescue the animals. We’re really pleased to have rescued them all and hope they recover quickly. 

“We’ll be at the scene for a little while longer ventilating the building and making the area safe, please continue to avoid the area if you can.”

ESSEX Fire crews are currently at the scene of an industrial unit fire in East Road, Harlow.

The fire is out and firefighters are working to ventilate the building.

Please avoid the area if you can while we work to make the scene safe.

East Road is off Edinburgh Way and opposite Tesco.