Cats, fish, snakes, geckos, hamsters, rabbits and a parrot which had been popular with customers for many years all died when the flames ripped through Blackpool Aquaria and Pet Supplies.

Craig Blake, 29, of Whitegate Drive, is the son-in-law of pet shop owner Katherine Brown, said: "My mother-in-law owns the shop and is totally devastated.

"She was inconsolable as she adored the pets and the shop had been in the family for more than 30 years.

"It was at full capacity over the weekend, there was everything in there, from cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, to rabbits and geckos.

"People used to stop and stare through the windows. But there's nothing there now.

"We are most upset about an old parrot, who's been a resident for donkey's years.

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"There were five employees and they were completely speechless as they were so upset. There's no work for them any more."

"Katherine hasn't even started about what she's going to do next."

Residents have reacted with disbelief to the tragedy.

Wendy Slack, 48, of South Shore, said: "I can't believe what has happened. I bought my dog, Prince, from there.

"If this does turn out to be deliberate, whoever did it wants stringing up."

Barbara Jones, 72, said: "My daughter used to work there years ago.

It's an absolute tragedy and I can't stop thinking about it.

"It's such a terrible thing that all these innocent animals had to suffer.

"I used to go in there all the time and so many people will miss it."