Fire officials from Staffordshire have warned animal owners about the dangers of portable heaters following the deaths of several pets in just one month.

Emergency services personnel from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were unable to save the dog, rabbit and birds who died in three separate fires.

Ian Broadhead, station manager, explained that in all incidents portable fires were the cause of the blaze.

The pooch knocked over an appliance that was left in his timber kennel, while the rabbit bumped into a halogen heater, which sparked a blaze.

Three birds succumbed to fire when an oil heater warming their aviary developed an electrical fault, causing flames to breakout.

Mr Broadhead warned owners against leaving their furry friends unsupervised while the creatures are in the same room or construction as heating appliances.

He said: "Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service would advise people to never leave any heat sources on when they go out and make sure pets are always kept safe and away from heat sources."

According to the Evening Telegraph, fire fighters from Peterborough were recently called to free a kitten trapped behind a fridge.