Eight fire appliances rushed to a Coleraine farm but were unable to save 1,200 pigs, the Fire Service has reported.

Firefighters were called to the blaze on the Kilmaconnell Road, Coleraine at 8pm on Tuesday, where they fought until just before 3am to douse the fire.

The Fire Service said: "Unfortunately, approximately 1,200 sows and piglets died in the incident. The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental ignition."

At least 51 firefighters brought appliances from eight different stations to the scene - from Coleraine, Portstewart, Kilrea, Portrush, Dungiven, Ballymoney, Ballymena. A water tanker, Command Support Unit and a Service Support Vehicle also attended.

placeholder image — Some 1,200 pigs and piglets died in a fire at a Coleraine farm, despite the best efforts of firefighters.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus brought the fire under control and stopped the fire from spreading. The fire was extinguished using three jets and three hose reel jets.

The Fire & Rescue Service response stopped the spread of the fire to other nearby buildings, saving the lives of the other animals housed within them.