Six dogs reportedly killed in house fire which shut A90

Six dogs have reportedly died in a house fire.

The house in Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, was engulfed in flames at around 7.40pm on Saturday.

A post on social media reportedly by the homeowner said the house was “completely gone”, along with a neighbouring building.

They wrote: “Sadly we lost our six dogs and everything else, we are truly devastated but grateful for the well wishes.”

They added “everyone is alright and we’re sorry for the inconvenience” to road users on the A90.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 7.40pm on Saturday January 3, police were called to assist Scottish Fire and Rescue Service following a report of a fire at a property off the A90 at Laurencekirk.

“There were no injuries reported and a joint investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the fire.

“The A90 remains closed northbound.”

A fire service spokeswoman said on Saturday night: “We were alerted at 7.34pm on Saturday to reports of a dwelling fire affecting a terraced cottage on the A90 south of Laurencekirk, near North Water Bridge.

“Operations control has mobilised six appliances, a water carrier and a high reach vehicle to the scene, where crews are working to make the area safe.

“There are no reported casualties.”

A fundraiser to help the two families who lost their homes has reached more than £17,000.

A Gofundme page said a target of £28,000 had been set to “help ease some of the immediate burden they are facing — including temporary accommodation, clothing, essentials, and day-to-day needs — while they begin the long process of getting things sorted”.

It read: “Our friends and their neighbour’s house also experienced a devastating house fire that has left two families without a home. Tragically, they also lost six beloved fur babies, making this loss even more heartbreaking.”

To donate visit: gofundme.com/f/help-this-family-try-to-rebuild-a-home.