A kennel fire that killed 11 pet dogs was caused by an electrical fault, police say.

Investigating officers have confirmed the blaze at private kennels at Bluerose Dog Park, on The Holloway, Swindon, near Wall Heath, was caused by an accidental electrical fault.

The dogs are believed to have succumbed to fumes. 

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "Officers investigating the cause of a fire at a private dog kennel in Swindon can now confirm the cause was accidental.

"In the early hours of Saturday (26 August), we were called to an address on The Holloway following reports of an ongoing fire.

"Our colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were already in attendance and worked to extinguish the blaze by 4.45am.

"Sadly, 11 pet dogs, who belonged to the same owner, died in the fire.

"We launched a joint investigation into the cause and later determined that the fire was caused accidentally, as a result of an electrical fire within the building.

"We understand the sadness felt as a result of this tragic incident locally and we would like to reiterate that there were no suspicious circumstances which led to the fire."

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Cannock and Wombourne were sent to the address shortly before 12.35am on Saturday.

The owners of the dog park said on Facebook: "Most of you know we had a devastating fire in the early hours of Saturday morning with 11 of our beloved dogs sadly losing their lives.

"We are absolutely devastated. The dogs were not locked in and had large runs on the outside, the ones that were out Deborah and myself managed to get out, 4 in total whilst getting injured ourselves.

"We believe the ones that weren't outside had been overcome by fumes so hopefully knew nothing about it.

I would like to thank you all for your lovely messages of support and all the people that have already helped with the clean up.

We will be remaining open and hope you continue to support us as the dog park was not affected at all. Please bear with as we are struggling to come to terms with this tradegy.

"R.I.P. Socks,Skip,Chip,Chilli,Pepper,Hunter,Jade,Boomer,Tequila,Jack and Lyla. You were our lives"