Up to 2,000 pigs are believed to have died in a large blaze that broke out on a farm last night (Monday, September 7), Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed.

The incident occurred in Kilkeel, Co. Down, shortly before 9:00pm last night.

In a statement to AgriLand, a spokesperson for Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed:

“At 8:54pm on Monday, September 7, firefighters were called to a fire involving a large farm shed on the Carrigenagh Road in Kilkeel.

Four fire appliances attended the incident – two from Kilkeel, Fire Station, one from Newcastle, Fire Station, one from Warrenpoint Fire Station, along with the Animal Rescue Team, a command support unit and a water tanker.

“Firefighters worked for in difficult conditions to prevent the fire spreading to adjacent buildings; however, it is believed that approximately 1,500 – 2,000 pigs have perished as result of the blaze.

“The fire was brought under control by 11:50 pm and the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental ignition,” the fire service representative concluded.

Quad bike seized in Derry

A quad bike which was observed “driving in a dangerous manner” has been seized by members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in Co. Derry last week.

Following the seizure of the vehicle last Thursday, September 3, local police are making enquiries and have made an appeal for information in relation to the matter.

Taking to social media to make an appeal to the public, local PSNI officers based in Co. Derry said:

Officers from Local Policing Team 2 and Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Team seized this quad this afternoon [Thursday] after it was observed driving in a dangerous manner in the area of Lenamore and Galliagh.

“The vehicle has been seized and enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved.

“If you have any information in relation to this incident or who may own the quad, please contact 101 and quote CW1306 of 030920,” the PSNI appeal concluded.