FORTY-SEVEN pigeons have been killed in a arson attack.

The birds died after a pigeon loft on Barn Lane, in Golborne, near Wigan, was set on fire.

Police are treating the blaze as suspicious.

Officers are attempting to trace the owner of the loft.

Fire fighters were called to the scene after reports from neighbours of a fire.

A fire service spokesman said: "A total of 47 pigeons died in the blaze."

Police, who attended the scene later, said the fire was being treated as 'deliberate ignition'.