AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after firefighters were called to a pet centre in Newport last night (Monday).

Five engines in total — two from Newport, one from Cowes, East Cowes and Shanklin — attended the scene at the Isle of Wight Pet Centre, Watergate Road, after receiving the call just after 11pm.

A spokesperson from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said the ground floor and roof were alight in the large incident.

As the cause of the fire is unknown, a fire investigation will begin this morning (Tuesday).

UPDATE 7.45am: The County Press understands a number of animals were killed in the centre.

UPDATE 8.10am: Paul Collins, owner of the Isle of Wight Pet Centre, said: “We’ve lost a few of the animals — all the birds, including the iconic Brolly, an umbrella cockatoo.

"We don’t know the full extent of what has died and what hasn’t yet.

"Obviously we have to wait for the fire investigation but it looks like an electrical fault.”

Police have cordoned the area as a crime scene.

UPDATE 12pm: A gofundme page has been set up to support the Isle of Wight Pet Service. Those interested can donate to the cause here.

Watch a video of Brolly, the beloved cockatoo at the centre who passed away in the fire, below: