3,000 turkeys have died following a serious farm building blaze near Nantwich, with nine fire crews on scene at its peak.

On Sunday 19 April, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to an incident on Peach Lane, Alvaston.

At 4.04pm, two fire engines from Crewe and one from Nantwich, Middlewich, Alsager, Tarporley, Winsford, Chester and Sandyford (Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service), as well as an aerial ladder platform and a 'Scorpion' High Reach Extendable Turret arrived at the scene.

A spokesperson for Aviagen Turkeys said the Alvaston barn blaze "led to the loss of around 3,000 birds".

They added: "We are grateful for the swift response of the fire service and are working closely with customers to implement our contingency measures, which are in place for just such an eventuality."

A reduced number of firefighters remained on-site until the morning of Monday 20 April, with an investigation into the cause underway.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Firefighters are at the scene of a fire involving a farm building in Peach Lane, Alvaston.

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"The affected barn involves a turkey shed measuring approximately 60metres by 25metres and has been significantly damaged by fire.

"Sadly, a number of turkeys have perished within the affected barn."

"Crews will remain on scene overnight and an investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway."