Over 15,000 chickens have died following a fire at farm buildings in the early hours of yesterday (Tues) morning.

Firefighters tackled the blaze at 3am yesterday (Mon) after a shed caught fire at a farm in Walton Highway, near King's Lynn, Norfolk.

Crews are now investigating at the scene of the fire but have been unable to enter the building due to asbestos in the roof.

Stuart Horth, area manager for Norfolk fire and rescue, described the fire as ''distressing''.

He said: ''It is a tragic incident.  We care a lot about animals in these situations and passionately about people and it is always distressing.

''We are in the early stages of the investigation into the cause of the fire and are dealing with the incident to prevent further damage.''