Staff at an animal rescue shelter have been left devastated by an arson attack.

Arsonists struck over night between Saturday and Sunday at Second Chance Animal Rescue in Crockenhill, destroying the centre's quarantine building and leaving gates open for animals to escape.

Police were called to the scene on Sunday morning when staff discovered the devastation.

Trustee Chris Doorbar said: "All the gates had been left open. The lambs were all over the place.

"It seems quite planned. We've had break-ins before, when dogs were stolen and animals were killed. It's almost like someone was sending a message.

"Vandals love trashing things for the fun of it, and they're cruel to the animals. This doesn't seem to have happened. The animals weren't hurt, they were just let out to cause chaos.

"It's devastating. There's no paid staff there, it's all volunteers, and it's funded by donations. People give up there time to rescue and re-home animals.

"It's unforgivable."

The centre is now appealing for donations to help them build another quarantine building.

A message on its facebook page thanked supporters for their efforts, saying: "We are truly blessed to have such wonderful supporters, thank you for all your lovely messages you have made a very sad, horrible morning that little bit better for us all."

In a previous attack in 2012, animals were slaughtered and stolen after vandals broke in to the animal sanctuary.

In that incident the thieves took dogs and left rabbits dead and injured.