A FIRE that ripped through a County Durham barn killing a horse, hens and ducks is not believed to be suspicious.

The incident at White House Farm, in Toft Hill, near Bishop Auckland, was being investigated by both the police and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) following the blaze on December 9.

More than a dozen horses were led to safety by Kirstie Hook, who has ran a livery and tack and feed shop from the premises for the past four years.

Ms Hook, who broke her toes during the incident, repeatedly moved animals away from the flames then went to an annex on the end of the house to rescue her 76-year-old mother, Margaret Hutchinson, who has previously survived a heart attack.

However, a black and white cob called Snowey Man, perished in the flames along with Ms Hook’s daughter’s hens and ducks.

The teenager’s pet rabbit, Comet, survived.

Landlord Eddie Price said he was saddened by the incident and wanted to help the business recover while the community has also rallied round.

Following a joint investigation by the police and fire service, a police spokesman confirmed the fire was not being treated as suspicious and the case had now been closed.

A spokesman for CDDFRS added: “We suspect that the fire was caused due to an electrical installation but there was so much damage because of the fuel from the hay and slight winds the investigators could not confirm it.”