ALMOST 1,000 pigs have died after a blaze swept through a piggery at a West Dorset farm.

The fire, which gutted the 330ft-ling complex at Seaborough Manor near Beaminster, is reported to have started in the roof early on Friday morning.

Despite the efforts of 50 firefighters over three hours, around 900 pigs were killed.

A spokesperson from the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said an investigation has been launched, and added: "There was an asbestos roof involved in the fire with no affect to any other properties.

"Crews were at work protecting adjacent piggeries and property.

"There was 100 per cent severe damage to the piggery and sadly approximately 900 pigs lost their lives in the fire."