RSPCA investigators who broke into a North-East stables discovered a house of horror.

Inspectors forced their way into the Bank Top Stables at Trimdon, County Durham, following complaints from the public.

Inside, they discovered the bodies of 13 horses, 11 birds, three dogs and a rabbit.

A painstaking search of the stables has been going on for several days. By last night, the premises were padlocked.

Inspector Mark Gent said: "Ourselves and our colleagues have been up there quite a lot.

"We have got vets having a look at the animals and there are a lot of tests that need to be carried out.

"We can't say at this stage what has caused their deaths, but we are investigating."

He said he was alerted by a member of the public who expressed concern that no one had been seen at Bank Top Stables for some time.

Insp Gent said: "When I got there the stench was such that I just knew that something was dead and called the police. It was an awful find and it was shocking to see how many animals have died in there."

It is believed that the three dogs may have survived by either feeding off the other animals or tearing open bags of dog food left in the stables.

"All that I can say is that the three dogs were in quite good condition and they must have got food and water from somewhere," he added.

One villager, who asked not to be named, said: "I cannot believe what has happened. It is terrible. Whoever has done this needs to be caught and locked up."

The RSPCA received a call last Sunday and launched an investigation the same day.

Anybody with information is asked to contact the charity on 08705 555999.