Sheep rescued from burning farm barn by passer-by

Sheep have escaped unhurt after a fire broke out in a barn on a Derbyshire farm – thanks to a passer-by who rescued them from the blaze.

Ten firefighters were called to tackle the blaze, which started at about noon on Sunday (19 April) during lambing season.

Fire crews from Matlock and Wirksworth attended the incident in Gallowlow Lane, Longcliffe.

See also: Farm cutting tools blamed for huge barn blaze

When firefighters arrived they found a barn full of straw on fire. But the sheep had already been released from the stone barn by a quick-thinking passerby. 

Fire crews put out the flames and left about one hour later. An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.

A spokeswoman for Derbyshire Constabulary said the fire service called police about the fire to request help to track down the farmer.

• Do you know the farmer or the passer-by? Contact the newsdesk on 020 8652 4905 or email philip.case@rbi.co.uk